In brief
The small Christian community in Gaza, holding on amidst a predominantly Muslim population, is now feeling an overwhelming sense of loss following the death of Pope Francis, who provided unwavering support and compassion during times of great turmoil. For 18 months, the Pope reached out nightly to check on parishioners at the Holy Family Catholic Church. Local clergy and citizens described the profound impact of his calls, during which he expressed genuine concern for their well-being and offered words of encouragement. As the community grapples with their grief, they cherish the connection they had with the Pope and hope for a successor who will continue advocating for peace in the troubled region.
The article text:The small Catholic community in Gaza has expressed profound sorrow following the death of Pope Francis, whom they viewed as a close friend and advocate during their struggles amid ongoing conflict. The Pope, who frequently called parishioners at the Holy Family Catholic Church to check on their welfare, became a source of consolation throughout 18 months of war. In a touching video released by the Vatican, the Pope was heard speaking Arabic—”As-salaam Alaikum” or “peace be upon you”—and engaging warmly with the faithful.Father Gabriel Romanelli, a priest in Gaza, recalled how the Pope would inquire about their daily meals and often tried tirelessly to connect with them, even when phone lines were down. “He used to call us daily during the war, on the black days under the bombing,” Father Romanelli said, exemplifying the Pope's dedication.George Anton, the church’s emergency coordinator, shared that his initial shock quickly turned into a comforting rapport with the Pope, who actively sought to understand their plight after Anton lost his home and family members. “He always encouraged us to be strong,” Anton recalled, emphasizing the Pope's unwavering compassion. With Pope Francis's passing, the Gazan Catholics feel a deep sense of abandonment. “We felt like ‘Oh my God, we’re like orphans now’,” Anton expressed, mourning the loss of the Pope's warmth and humor that once provided solace amidst the chaos. During a visit to the Holy Land in 2014, Pope Francis made headlines by praying for peace at the contentious Israeli West Bank barrier. In his final public Easter message, he again called for peace in Gaza, highlighting the “death and destruction” caused by the conflict and the "dramatic humanitarian situation" it has unleashed. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem hailed the Pope's moral clarity on the issues in the Holy Land, noting the pontiff’s recent outspoken stance against the ongoing violence. As the world awaits the conclave to elect a new Pope, both Palestinians and Israelis are hoping for a leader who will champion peace in a region rife with conflict. As they remember the kindness extended by Pope Francis, Gaza's Christians remain hopeful that the next pontiff will carry on his legacy of advocating for a peaceful resolution to their challenges.
