In the final 18 months of his life, Pope Francis established a poignant evening ritual: reaching out to the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip to check on those seeking refuge there amid the ongoing conflict. This act of compassion left a lasting impression on Gaza’s small Christian community, which mourned his passing on Monday, remembering him fondly as a paternal figure during their time of need.
The pope’s commitment to the people of Gaza was evident in his actions and words. In his last public appearance, he called for a ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas militant group, urging Hamas to release the Israeli hostages and condemning the rise in global antisemitism. He conveyed his solidarity with those suffering in both Palestine and Israel, emphasizing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The conflict in Gaza escalated when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. Israel’s retaliatory measures have devastated Gaza, leading to substantial casualties and destruction. Over 51,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have died, and a vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been left homeless according to health ministry reports.
The situation has further deteriorated following Israel’s decision to end a ceasefire and block all humanitarian aid into Gaza, exacerbating the plight of the population. Aid officials report widespread malnutrition, with many surviving on minimal food each day.
Despite Pope Francis’ appeals for peace and the release of hostages, these pleas have remained unanswered. Recent Israeli airstrikes resulted in additional casualties, with at least 14 people reported dead.
In Israel, reactions to Pope Francis were mixed. While he was appreciated for his outreach to the Jewish community and his firm stance against antisemitism, his criticisms of Israel’s military actions stirred controversy. He had called for an investigation into possible genocide charges against Israel and lamented the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed hope that the pope’s prayers for peace and the hostages’ release would soon be fulfilled, acknowledging the pope’s deep faith and compassion.
Throughout the Arab world and among U.N. officials, Pope Francis was mourned as a steadfast advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, highlighted the pope’s efforts to draw attention to the war’s dehumanizing effects.
In the largely Muslim territory of Gaza, which hosts around 1,000 Christians, Pope Francis’ death was deeply felt. He had been a source of comfort and support, often communicating with the Holy Family Church, the sole Catholic church in the area, to offer solace to the nearly 600 individuals sheltering there.
Suhair Anastas, a Palestinian woman who met the pope in 2023, expressed sorrow over his passing. She recalled his support for the community, even as he faced limitations in stopping the ongoing violence.
Pope Francis is remembered not only for his spiritual leadership but also for being a beacon of hope and resilience for the Christian community in Gaza. His compassion and dedication left a profound legacy, inspiring many to endure the hardships they face.
