Pope Francis called for “truth and justice” over the catastrophic explosion at Beirut’s port four years ago, and lamented Lebanon was “paying a price” for the conflict in the Middle East, AFP reports.

He was speaking as he met victims of the August 4, 2020 blast, one of the world’s biggest non-nuclear explosions, at the Vatican. Nobody has been held responsible for the blast, which killed more than 220 people, injured at least 6,500 and devastated swathes of the capital.

“Together with you, I ask for truth and justice, which has not arrived,” he told the closed-door meeting, according to the Vatican.

“All of us know that the issues are complex and difficult, and that opposing powers and interests make their influence felt. Yet truth and justice must prevail over all else.

“Four years have now gone by. The Lebanese people, and you above all, have a right to words and actions that manifest responsibility and transparency.”