The small Catholic community in Gaza is grappling with profound grief following the death of Pope Francis, who had become a deeply cherished and consistent source of support during the ongoing conflict. For nearly two years, beginning in 2021, Pope Francis initiated nightly contact via phone – often switching to Italian after initially speaking Arabic – inquiring about the well-being of the handful of remaining Christians sheltering at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City. This intimate connection provided a crucial lifeline amidst the devastation and uncertainty of war.
The Vatican released a short video showcasing this unique relationship, demonstrating how Pope Francis learned the names of his parishioners and regularly asked, ‘What did you eat today?’ Father Gabriel Romanelli recalled the challenges of maintaining phone connections during bombing raids, explaining that the Pope’s persistent calls were a testament to his unwavering dedication. George Anton, the church’s emergency coordinator, described being “virtually speechless” upon receiving a call from the pontiff and emphasized how Pope Francis consistently offered encouragement and blessings, understanding their difficult circumstances.
With only approximately 500 Christians remaining in Gaza – a tiny fraction of the territory’s predominantly Muslim population exceeding 2 million – the Holy Family Church has become a sanctuary. The loss of this consistent source of comfort is being acutely felt. ‘We felt like ‘Oh my God, we’re like orphans now,’’ Mr Anton stated, reflecting on the profound impact the Pope’s presence had on their lives. The community hopes that his successor will continue to champion peace and address the humanitarian crisis.
Pope Francis’s support extended beyond simple check-ins; he consistently voiced concerns about the conflict, calling for a ceasefire and highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. In his final Easter message, read by an aide, he condemned the ongoing destruction and suffering. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, noted the Pope’s ‘moral clarity’, emphasizing his strong stance against the conflict. Recent excerpts from a forthcoming book revealed Pope Francis’s assessment that events in Gaza could potentially meet the definition of genocide, prompting a call for thorough investigation. Despite Israel’s rejection of such claims and its stated goal of defeating Hamas, the situation remains deeply contested. As a papal conclave begins in Rome to select Pope Francis’s successor, the future of this fragile community – and their hopes for peace – are now inextricably linked to the decisions made by the next leader of the Catholic Church.
