Pope Leo visits the "De la Croix" Hospital in Lebanon (@Vatican Media)
Pope at hospital in Lebanon: We cannot forget the most
fragile
On the last day of his first Apostolic Journey, Pope Leo XIV
visits the La Croix Hospital in Jal Ed Dib, one of the largest mental disability
hospitals in the Middle East, and praises the work of the religious sisters and
staff who dedicate themselves to caring for the most fragile.
By Kielce Gussie
Kicking off his third day in Lebanon and the final day of
the journey, Pope Leo XIV spent Tuesday morning 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.
The Hospital de la
Croix is one of the largest mental health hospitals in the Middle East, with
five large wards for patients (@Vatican Media)
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.
Crowds lining the
streets to greet the Pope on his way to the hospital (@Vatican Media)
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.
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