Farewell to a peacemaker: Pope Francis's final gift to Gaza
Pope Francis passed away on April 21st. A conclave will soon take place to elect the new head of the Church. Meanwhile, details about the last days of the Holy Father are coming to light. In a gesture of solidarity, Pope Francis donated his papamobile to victims of the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
During his 12-year pontificate, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of peace. His reign at the Vatican coincided with numerous global conflicts—from Ukraine and the Caucasus to the Middle East and Africa. The Pope was particularly concerned about children, tens of thousands of whom have perished as a result of wars, such as the one in the Gaza Strip. Therefore, one of Pope Francis's last wishes is profoundly moving.
Pope Francis donated his papamobile to victims of the war in Gaza
According to Vatican News, the vehicle belonging to the Pope, the famous papamobile, will be transformed into a mobile medical unit for children in Gaza. In the last months of his life, the Pope entrusted this initiative to Caritas Jerusalem, aiming to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly a million children have been displaced and are threatened by hunger, infections, and other health issues.
As part of this effort, the papal vehicle will be outfitted with diagnostic, testing, and treatment equipment—including rapid tests for infections, diagnostic instruments, vaccines, wound stitching kits, and other life-saving measures. The papamobile will be operated by doctors and medical personnel who will reach children in the most isolated areas of Gaza once humanitarian access is reestablished.
With the vehicle, we will be able to reach children who today have no access to health care – children who are injured and malnourished. This is a concrete, life-saving intervention at a time when the health system in Gaza has almost completely collapsed, stated Peter Brune, Secretary General of Caritas Sweden, as quoted by Vatican News.
The conclave will take place on May 7th
Pope Francis passed away on April 21st, and five days later, his funeral was held. He was laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. Cardinals now face the challenge of electing a new pope. The conclave will begin on May 7th, with over 130 cardinals participating in the election of the new Holy Father. The favourites to succeed Francis mainly come from Italy, but candidates from Asia are also being considered.
