One of Pope Francis’s popemobiles is being converted into a mobile health clinic for children in Gaza, honoring one of his last wishes, according to the Vatican’s official media outlet.
The vehicle, utilized by the late pontiff during his 2014 visit to the Holy Land, is being equipped with diagnostic and emergency medical supplies to assist young patients in the Palestinian enclave, where health services have been severely impacted by the Israeli invasion.
Pope Francis, who passed away last month, assigned this initiative to the Catholic aid organization Caritas Jerusalem in the months leading up to his death, reported Vatican News.
“This is a tangible, life-saving intervention at a time when Gaza’s health system has nearly collapsed,” stated Peter Brune, Secretary General of Caritas Sweden, which is backing the project, in an interview with Vatican News.
Caritas intends to send the clinic to communities lacking access to operational healthcare facilities once humanitarian access to Gaza becomes feasible.
The vehicle is being outfitted with diagnostic and emergency medical equipment (Photo: Caritas)
“It’s not merely a vehicle,” Mr. Brune emphasized.
“It’s a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza.”
Gaza hosts a small Christian community, and the Vatican has mentioned that Pope Francis frequently called the Holy Family Church in Gaza almost daily during much of the war, which began in October 2023 with Hamas militants attacking southern Israel.
Pope Francis had several popemobiles, with the one used during his 2014 visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories remaining in the region following his return to the Vatican.
A conclave to elect a new pope is set to begin on 7 May.
