Following the death of Pope Francis, the dwindling Catholic community in Gaza mourns the loss of their nightly calls from the Pope, which served as a source of hope amid the turmoil of war and conflict in the region.
Gaza's Christians Grieve the Loss of Their Vocal Advocate, Pope Francis
Gaza's Christians Grieve the Loss of Their Vocal Advocate, Pope Francis
The tiny Christian community in Gaza reflects on their bond with Pope Francis, who provided them with support and comfort during intense times of conflict.
In the wake of Pope Francis's passing, the small Catholic community in Gaza grapples with grief, feeling abandoned and orphaned by the loss of their devoted advocate. Over the course of 18 months of violence, the Pope maintained a unique and personal connection, calling to check on their wellbeing almost nightly from the Vatican.
Pope Francis reached out in Arabic, often asking them about their daily meals and wellbeing, even when communication was difficult. Father Gabriel Romanelli, a local priest, expressed the sorrow felt by the community, recalling the compassionate connection the Pope forged with them during some of their darkest days.
George Anton, an emergency coordinator at the Holy Family Catholic Church, shared his profound experience of speaking with the Pope, revealing how he found solace in the Pope's understanding and encouragement despite his own personal losses due to the ongoing conflict. "We felt like 'Oh my God, we're like orphans now'," Anton lamented.
The community fears they have lost a comforting presence that provided not just support but hope. When the Pope visited the Holy Land in 2014, he prayed fervently for peace, exemplifying his dedication to the region and its people. In his last public address during the Easter celebration, he once again called for peace in Gaza, addressing the devastating humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing war.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa cited the Pope's moral clarity, highlighting his unwavering concern for both Palestinians and Israelis. Despite this, the reactions from Israeli officials posthumously revealed a divide in perceptions of the Pope's outspokenness regarding the Gaza conflict.
As a conclave assembles in Rome to select a new Pope, both Palestinians and Israelis are anticipated to closely observe how the future leader will navigate the complexities of this long-standing conflict. In Gaza, the remaining Christians yearn for a successor who will continue to advocate for peace and provide them with hope in uncertain times.
