In brief
Following the death of Pope Francis, Christians in Gaza express their grief, feeling abandoned like orphans due to his absence. They recall his nightly calls during the war, providing comfort and support as he urged them to remain strong amidst the turmoil. As a conclave prepares to select his successor, the community hopes for continued advocacy for peace.
Gaza's minuscule Catholic community is mourning the loss of Pope Francis, feeling orphaned in his absence. The Pope had forged a deep connection with the parishioners of the Holy Family Catholic Church, often reaching out to check on their well-being amid the escalating conflict.Pope Francis, who learned to greet his followers in Arabic, started making nightly calls to Gaza during the war, offering support during difficult times. "He used to call us daily during the war, on the black days under the bombing," recounted Father Gabriel Romanelli, reflecting on the Pope's dedication to their plight.With only a few hundred Christians left in Gaza, their experience is unique among the predominantly Muslim population. The small community depended on the Pope's encouragement to remain resilient despite their hardships. George Anton, an emergency coordinator at the Holy Family church, shared how the Pope's calls provided a sense of hope. "He was totally understanding of our situation and always encouraged us to be strong," Anton said.As they come to terms with their loss, local parishioners feel they have lost a source of comfort. "We felt like 'Oh my God, we're like orphans now'," expressed Anton. The absence of the Pope's voice and humor leaves a palpable void, emphasizing his special bond with Gaza.The Pope's final public message resonated with calls for peace and a halt to ongoing violence in Gaza. During his Easter address, he highlighted the grave humanitarian situation in the region, reiterating his moral stance against war. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa noted the Pope's clarity on the issues facing both Palestinians and Israelis, saying, "War is not just weapons. War is sometimes words."As world leaders express their condolences, the complexities of the Pope's views on the conflict have sparked mixed reactions. Critics highlighted his remarks on potential genocide in Gaza, provoking a stark response from Israeli officials.With the conclave underway in Rome to choose the next Pope, the Christian community in Gaza hopes for a successor who will continue advocating for peace and address their unique struggles in the volatile region.
