Beirut explosion

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The Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harrissa.

How the economic crisis is transforming the Christian population in Lebanon

Oct 23, 2022

By Elias Turk

Christians, like all Lebanese, today face rising unemployment, bank withdrawal limits, the suspension of international payments, electricity, water, and internet... Read more

Marina Khawand started Medonations in response to the economic crisis that is crippling the Lebanese economy.

When there’s a problem, ‘we just pray’: Lebanese teen started charity to get medical care to poor

Oct 15, 2022

By Joe Bukuras

Marina Khawand, a 19-year-old woman from Beirut, says she never would have been able to help the thousands of ill... Read more

Pope Francis speaks during his general audience in Paul VI Hall on Aug. 3, 2022.

Pope Francis calls for 'justice and truth' ahead of Beirut blast anniversary

Aug 3, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Lebanon will mark the anniversary of the Beirut port explosion with a National Day of Mourning. Read more

Pope Francis met Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Nov. 25.

Pope Francis tells new Lebanese PM: Lebanon is worth fighting to save

Nov 25, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Najib Mikati gave the pope a brick from a church damaged in the Beirut port explosion. Read more

Fr. Pierre Najm presents Pope Francis with a crucifix made from debris left by the Beirut port explosion.

Pope Francis receives crucifix made from wood salvaged after Beirut blast

Jun 22, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The blast killed nearly 200 people and injured 600 others. Read more

Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai, head of the Maronite Church. Credit: Aid to the Church in Need.

Lebanese cardinal urges leaders to help country avoid ‘total collapse’

Jan 5, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Lebanon’s Maronite patriarch has said that the country could be facing “the risk of total collapse” amid a deepening economic and... Read more

Pope Francis holds the flag of Lebanon and prays during his general audience on Sept. 2, 2020. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

Pope Francis pens Christmas letter to 'beloved people of Lebanon'

Dec 24, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has written a Christmas letter to the people of Lebanon encouraging them to trust in God during times... Read more

Reconstruction of blast-damaged Beirut church brings hope

Nov 19, 2020

The reconstruction of a church in Beirut severely damaged by the massive explosion that rocked the city this summer is... Read more

The port of Beirut, Lebanon, Aug. 5, 2020, one day after a massive explosion.

Second round of US aid to Lebanon in question after August blast

Oct 26, 2020

As Lebanon continues to deal with fallout from the massive August explosion that devastated parts of the capital, Beirut, advocates... Read more

Damage in downtown Beirut following an explosion at the city's port, Aug. 6, 2020.

Syriac Catholic Patriarch offers free tuition, rent assistance after Beirut blast

Oct 5, 2020

On August 4, a fire in the capital city of Beirut, Lebanon spread to a warehouse containing some 2,750 tons... Read more

Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai, the Maronite Patriarch, at the Vatican March 5, 2013.

Lebanese cardinal says international court could look at Beirut blast

Aug 26, 2020

The Maronite Catholic Patriarch of Antioch has said an international court may need to examine the circumstances that led to... Read more

Damage after the Aug. 4 Beirut explosion.

Knights of Columbus donating $250,000 after Beirut explosion

Aug 25, 2020

The Knights of Columbus is donating $250,000 to aid relief efforts following a massive explosion in Beirut earlier this month.  Read more

Damage after the Aug. 4 Beirut explosion.

After Beirut blast, what some Lebanese Christians are doing to help their neighbors

Aug 14, 2020

By Jonah McKeown

The massive explosion in the port area of Lebanon’s capital on Aug. 4 overturned cars, shattered windows, set fires, and... Read more

Lebanese flag on barbed wire in front of the Lebanese government seat of Grand Serail.

Lebanese scholar: The West cannot afford to abandon Lebanon

Aug 13, 2020

By Jonah McKeown

A Lebanese academic and aid worker told CNA on Thursday that if Western nations fail to help Lebanon recover from... Read more

Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai, the Maronite Patriarch, at the Vatican March 5, 2013.

Cardinal says Lebanon leaders should resign after Beirut blast

Aug 10, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Lebanon’s Maronite Catholic patriarch called for the resignation of the entire Lebanese government Sunday, following the devastating explosion in Beirut last... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims after the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on Feb. 26, 2020.

Pope Francis sends donation to Beirut for explosion recovery

Aug 7, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis has sent a donation of nearly $300,000 in aid to the Church in Lebanon to help with recovery efforts... Read more

Aftermath of the Aug. 4, 2020 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon.

Aid to the Church in Need sending 250,000 euro in food aid to Lebanon

Aug 6, 2020

International Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has announced an emergency 250,000 euro food aid package for... Read more

A scene from the port area of Beirut, Lebanon, after explosions Aug. 4 left a wake of destruction across the city.

Lebanon needs US Catholic help now, bishops say

Aug 5, 2020

The Maronite eparchs of the United States are pleading for prayers and aid for the people of Lebanon in the... Read more

Lebanese Catholics pray at the shrine of St. Charbel, the country's patron saint.

Lebanese cardinal: ‘The Church has a great duty’ after Beirut explosion

Aug 5, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

A Lebanese cardinal has called on charities around the world to help Beirut's families “heal their wounds and restore their homes.”  Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square March 14, 2018.

Pope Francis prays for victims of 'tragic' Beirut explosion as death toll climbs

Aug 5, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis has asked for prayers for Lebanon and for the victims of yesterday's Beirut explosions, which have killed over... Read more