Pope Leo ends trip with Beirut mass

Catholic leader leads prayer at site of blast

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Pope Leo XIV holds a silent prayer at the site of the Beirut port blast in August 2020, during his first apostolic journey in Beirut yesterday.

(REUTERS)

Around 150,000 people gathered at Beirut’s waterfront for mass with Pope Leo XIV yesterday morning, the highlight of the Catholic leader's visit to the capital, where he delivered a message of hope and peace.

The pontiff arrived from Turkey on Sunday on his inaugural visit abroad as pope and brought a message of hope, particularly to young people in Lebanon whose faith in their country has dwindled.

He has received a jubilant welcome in a nation beset by a years-long economic collapse and which is still reeling from a war last year between Israel and militant group Hezbollah, with many fearing renewed hostilities.