Pope Francis recently held a heartfelt meeting at the Vatican with 30 relatives of those who tragically lost their lives in the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
During this private audience, the Pope expressed his deep sorrow and solidarity with the grieving families, saying, “I continue to keep you and your loved ones in my prayers, and I join my tears to your own.” His words were a reflection of the deep connection he feels with those affected by the disaster, as he acknowledged the profound pain and loss that still lingers in Lebanon.
The Pope did not shy away from addressing the stalled investigation into the explosion, urging for justice and truth to prevail despite the complexities involved. “Together with you, I ask for truth and justice.
All of us know that the issues are complex and difficult and that opposing powers and interests make their influence felt. Yet truth and justice must prevail over all else,” he told the families, underscoring the need for accountability in the face of such a significant tragedy.
In a bid to offer comfort, the Catholic News Agency reported how Pope Francis drew on Lebanon’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, making poignant references to symbols deeply rooted in the Lebanese identity.
He compared the resilience of the Lebanese people to the steadfast cedar tree, a symbol of strength and endurance, stating, “Cedars invite us to lift our gaze on high, to heaven, to God, who is our hope, a hope that does not disappoint.” This metaphor was intended to inspire hope and perseverance among those gathered.
He encouraged the Lebanese people to uphold their vocation as “people of peace” in the Middle East, emphasizing that “Lebanon is, and must remain, a project for peace. Its vocation is to be a land where diverse communities live together in concord, setting the common good above individual advantage.”
At the end of the meeting, Pope Francis offered his paternal blessings and entrusted the families to the care of Our Lady of Lebanon. He said, “May the Virgin Mary, from her shrine in Harissa, continue to watch over you and all the Lebanese people. I cordially impart my blessing. I assure you of my prayers, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. Thank you.”
