Pope celebrates mass in Beirut in front of 150,000 people, calls for an end to wars

Pope Leo XIV ended a three-day visit to Lebanon on Tuesday with a call for peace throughout the region. At a mass on Beirut's waterfront in front of 150,000 worshippers, he called on political and religious leaders in the Middle East to "change course" and end the "horror of war." He added that countries in the region need new approaches to help overcome political, social and religious divisions.

The Pope was visiting Lebanon after a visit to Turkey. During his trip, he repeatedly warned that the rapidly escalating conflicts threaten the future of humanity. In Lebanon, he called on the leaders of the various churches for unity and on politicians to persevere in peace efforts after last year's devastating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Before flying to Rome, he expressed regret that he was unable to visit southern Lebanon, which is "in a state of conflict and insecurity". "Let the attacks and hostilities end," he urged.

Leo XIV also visited the devastated port of Beirut, where a chemical explosion killed more than two hundred people in 2020. He laid a wreath at the memorial site, met with some 60 survivors and mourners, and dedicated a rosary to each. Residents say the Pope's visit represents a rare moment of hope for them.

(reuters, lud)