Kicking off his third day in Lebanon and the final day of the journey, Pope Leo XIV spent Tuesday morning, December 2, visiting the La Croix Hospital in Jal Ed Dib—one of the largest mental disability hospitals in the Middle East.

Founded in 1919 by Blessed Fr. Jacques Haddad, it was converted into a psychiatric hospital in 1937 and later into a hospital for people with mental disabilities in 1951.

In his address, the Pope expressed his joy at visiting the hospital and explained his desire to visit.

“I wanted to come because Jesus dwells in this place: in you who are ill, and in you who care for the ailing—the sisters, the doctors, all the healthcare workers and staff.” He also assured everyone present of his prayers for them.

A tireless apostle of charity

Reflecting on the founding of the hospital, the Holy Father recalled Fr. Jacques as a tireless apostle of charity “who is remembered for the holiness of life that he showed especially through his love for the poorest and the suffering.”

He founded the Franciscan Sisters of the Cross who continue his work in caring for those in the hospital. Pope Leo thanked the sisters and the entire hospital staff for their dedication to this mission. He stressed that the staff are “a tangible sign of the merciful love of Christ.”

Like the Good Samaritan, the Pope noted, they care for the wounded. He encouraged them to not lose the joy of the mission, even when they experience fatigue or discouragement, “especially given the challenging conditions” in which they often work.

In spite of these challenges, Pope Leo urged them to “keep before your eyes the good you are able to accomplish.” This, he said, is a great work in God’s eyes.

Remember the fragile

The work being done in the hospital “stands as a clear reminder to all—to your country, but also to the whole human family.” It is important, the Holy Father stressed, not to forget the most fragile.

He argued we cannot create a society that moves forward clinging to false thoughts of wellbeing, while ignoring the reality of poverty and vulnerability.

“Particularly as Christians, as the Church of the Lord Jesus, we are called to care for the poor”, the Pope explained. This is the Gospel’s call to each and every one of us.

Closing, the Pope reminded everyone present that they are close to the heart of God. “He holds you in the palm of His hand; He accompanies you with love; and He offers you His tenderness through the hands and smiles of those who care for you.”

He noted that the Lord tells each of them that He loves and cares for them as His child. “Never forget this”, Pope Leo urged.