Viewing the burned wasteland of the Beirut port, one's eye catches a grey concrete slab in the foreground. It bears this stark message scribbled by the Lebanese in black ink: "My Government Did This."
As Lebanon's Catholic leaders appealed for help for their country, international and U.S. organizations appealed for donations for Beirut, capital of a country already suffering from a severe economic downturn.
After a massive fire triggered a deadly explosion in Beirut, Pope Francis called for prayers and a united effort to help Lebanon overcome "this serious crisis."
Lebanese Cardinal Bechara Rai called for the country's leaders to hear the cries of suffering citizens, as poverty overtakes the population, including the middle class.
Pope Francis donated $200,000 to fund educational scholarships in Lebanon, which is facing a devastating economic crisis compounded by the coronavirus pandemic.
Hope is the virtue needed to approach the coming year, especially when the looming threat of war surrounds a humanity scarred by violence, Pope Francis said.
Maronite Catholic bishops from around the world, meeting in Lebanon, called for unity among politicians and the international community to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.
