On September 22, 2025, preparations officially began for the visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross. A special committee was formed to oversee every spiritual, organizational, and logistical detail. The committee was composed of the Superior General, Mother Marie Makhlouf; Sisters Mary Youssef and Rose Hanna; Mr. Elie Yahchouchi, Mr. Khalil Kanaan, Mr. Abdo Kourbani, Mr. Paul Hitti, Mr. Joseph Mikhael; Captain Cynthia Kassir; Dr. Chantal Sarkis; and Mrs. Rita Makhlouf Kanaan, Mrs. Nayla Fayyad, and Mrs. Marie-Joe Hanna. The committee held successive meetings in a true spirit of teamwork, working responsibly and collaboratively to ensure that this event would reflect the mission of mercy carried by the hospital. December 2, 2025, marked an extraordinary and historic day at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross. From the moment of His Holiness’s arrival, an atmosphere of reverence and joy filled the place. The smiles of the students from the Congregation’s schools, along with delegations from our institutions and beyond, illuminated the outer courtyards as they waited eagerly and expectantly to see the Shepherd who came bearing peace. Inside the hall, the patients awaited him with heartfelt anticipation and applause. His Holiness was welcomed with the hymn entitled “Our Hope,” written by the poet Nizar Francis and composed by Maestro Elie El Alia especially for the occasion, and performed by the Choir of the Relics of Blessed Abouna Yacoub under the direction of Maestro Elie Khayat, accompanied by the organist Elie Semaan. The hymn was not merely a program segment; it was a living prayer and a sincere cry of hope rising from the hearts of the patients reflecting their patience, faith, and love for the Holy Father, as well as their aspiration to see Blessed Abouna Yacoub raised to the altars as a saint. One of the most moving moments was the address delivered by the Superior General, Mother Marie Makhlouf. With tears in her eyes, she expressed the sacredness of the moment and the profound value of every patient embraced by the Hospital of the Cross. She said: “Here dwell forgotten souls, burdened by their loneliness… faces unseen in the media, unheard from pulpits. Your visit today bears witness to the little brothers of Jesus, the poorest of the poor, and the most afflicted, of the love of God for them and of the precious place thy hold in His heart, and yours…”. A male patient and a female patient spoke. In simple yet profound words, they expressed what stirred within their hearts and minds: “We are not only patients; we are hearts seeking someone who understands us and believes in our ability to rise again.” A reverent silence filled the hall. Tears blended with hope, and everyone felt that this voice was not merely that of two individuals, but the echo of all who live in silent suffering and await understanding and compassion. The address of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV crowned the encounter. Speaking to the patients, the medical and nursing staff, and the Sisters, he left a lasting imprint on every heart: “I am happy to be here with you… because Jesus dwells in this place. This hospital was founded by Blessed Father Jacques, Père Yaacoub, tireless apostle of charity… The Franciscan Sisters of the Cross continue his mission and carry out an invaluable service… I also wish to greet the entire hospital staff with sincere gratitude. Your skilled and compassionate presence and your care for the sick, are a tangible sign of the merciful love of Christ… I encourage you not to lose the joy of this mission. Despite the difficulties, keep before your eyes the good you are able to accomplish. In God’s eyes, it is a great work!… Dear brothers and sisters ho are burdened by illness, I would like to remind you that you are close to the heart of God our Father. 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.” Afterward, His Holiness visited the Saint Dominic Department in a private context, without media coverage. Here, he approached each patient individually, greeting them, blessing them, and listening with sincere paternal care. It was a profound moment of silence filled with mercy and peace. On that day, suffering met mercy, silence encountered words, and tears united with smiles. This grace-filled visit will remain a luminous sign of hope within the walls of the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, engraved in the memory of all who were present. It stands as a reminder that every person no matter how fragile or ill has a place in the heart of the Church. The hall that now bears the name of Pope Leo XIV will remain a living witness to this historic moment, where tears of joy are embedded in its walls, making this place a sanctuary of human dignity.