In brief
In the wake of Pope Francis's death, the tiny Catholic community in Gaza reflects on their bond with the late pontiff, who provided comfort during the ongoing conflict, leaving them feeling like orphans.
As the news of Pope Francis's passing sinks in, Catholics in the besieged enclave of Gaza describe an overwhelming sense of loss, as many feel they have lost a dear friend. Over the past 18 months, Pope Francis called nightly to check on the welfare of parishioners at the Holy Family Catholic Church amidst the harrowing effects of war and destruction.Pope Francis would greet them with "As-salaam Alaikum," the Arabic phrase meaning "peace be upon you," fostering a personal connection with the small Christian community of Gaza, which numbers only a few hundred amidst a Muslim population exceeding 2 million. As shared in a touching Vatican video after his death, the Pope’s warmth and compassion were evident as he inquired about their daily lives, even asking local priests what they had eaten that day.Father Gabriel Romanelli of the Holy Family Church spoke of the Pope's dedication, stating, “He used to call us daily during the war, on the black days under the bombing,” demonstrating his commitment to their well-being during terrifying times. Local resident George Anton, now an emergency coordinator at the church, recounted the impact of the Pope’s calls, where he felt blessed and understood. The Pope consistently urged him to be strong and inquired how he could assist further during their hardships.Now, with the Pope's passing, the emotional toll weighs heavily on Gaza's Christians. Anton expressed this sorrow, stating, “We felt like 'Oh my God, we're like orphans now.'” The absence of a comforting voice and the Pope’s trademark humor leaves a profound void for the community.Pope Francis's relationship with Gaza has been spotlighted in the past, especially during his visit to the Holy Land in 2014, exacerbated in recent times by his fervent calls for peace. In what would be his last public message during Easter, he spoke against the ongoing violence, seeking peace and a ceasefire in Gaza's troubled landscape.His outspokenness against the war and the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians drew both admiration and criticism. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa recognized the Pope's stance, stating, “He had a moral clarity,” acknowledging the urgency with which the pontiff addressed the situation in Gaza. As a new conclave begins in Rome to determine the next Pope, both Israelis and Palestinians await to see how the spiritual leader will navigate the deeply entrenched and complex conflict. Christians in Gaza hold out hope that the new pontiff will advocate for peace and understanding amidst the turbulence.
