Gaza's Christians Grieve as Pope Francis Passes: "We're Orphans Now"

Local Catholics in Gaza reflect on their deep bond with Pope Francis, who frequently called to check on their well-being during the war. With his passing, they feel a profound sense of loss and fear for their future.

The small Christian community of Gaza, a group largely overshadowed by the Islamic majority in the territory, faces profound grief following the death of Pope Francis, a steadfast ally and source of emotional support during dire times. For 18 months, the Pope maintained a near-daily routine of calling the parishioners sheltering at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City.

During these calls, he would often check on their well-being, once asking in Italian, "What did you eat today?" to which one local priest humorously replied about their meager meals. This connection established a bond viewed as familial by the dwindling Christian population, many of whom feel a deep sense of loss.

Father Gabriel Romanelli expressed how these calls provided a fragile feeling of connection amid the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, George Anton recounted how he initially struggled to articulate his experiences of loss to the Pope, who, empathetic as ever, encouraged him to hold on to hope and consistent courage.

With the Pope's absence, however, Catholics like Anton now feel abandoned, using the term "orphans" to convey the emotional void left in the wake of his death. "We will not hear his voice or his humor," he lamented.

Pope Francis had continually called for peace, underscoring the debilitating conditions faced by Gazans. His last public remarks pleaded for ceasefires and humanitarian focus in conflicted areas. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa noted the moral clarity the Pope brought to discussions surrounding peace and justice for the region, a stance that has not gone unnoticed in Israeli media.

Although Israeli leadership formally expressed condolences, the Prime Minister's office remained notably silent, suggesting political tensions surrounding Pope Francis's outspoken views on the Gaza situation.

As a conclave begins to elect his successor, both Palestinians and Israelis await the new pontiff's approach to peace in a region marred by ongoing disputes. The hope among Gaza's Christians is that the new Pope will advocate for peace and understanding, aligning with their wishes for a better future amidst uncertainty.