BEIRUT — Tens of thousands of people gathered in the Lebanese capital to witness Pope Leo XIV's message of unity to a shattered city and a fractured state Tuesday.

Before Mass, the pontiff stopped by the site of a powerful chemical explosion in August 2020 that killed 218 people and injured 7,000 as it tore through entire neighborhoods. At least 300,000 people were displaced by the blast.

After holding a moment of silent prayer in front of a memorial to the victims, he made his way to Beirut’s historic waterfront in his popemobile, waving to the enthusiastic crowds, some of whom had waited hours to catch a glimpse of him. Many waved Lebanese flags and flowers as hymns rang out.

Pope Leo waves to the faithful as he arrives in his popemobile to deliver a mass at Beirut's waterfron

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