ALBAWABA - To fulfill his final wishes before passing, Pope Francis' iconic popemobile will be converted into a mobile health clinic and sent to Gaza to aid children affected by the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Strip since Oct. 7, 2023.
Vatican’s official media outlet confirmed the news on Sunday, sparking widespread praise from pro-Palestine and human rights activists. The popemobile was used during Pope Francis' 2014 pilgrimage to the holy land. Francis requested that the vehicle be used to treat injured and malnourished children in Gaza.
According to CNN, the popemobile will be renovated and supplied by Caritas with medical equipment for diagnosis, examination, and treatment, with doctors and medics on board.
Pope Francis' popemobile converted into a clinic for Gaza children
Secretary General of Caritas Sweden, Peter Brune, issued a statement that read, "It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza."
Before his passing, Pope Francis continuously called for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel to stop its bombardments and attacks on innocent Palestinians. Alongside his ceasefire request, the late Pope condemned Israel's actions and made it his mission to frequently call Christian children in Gaza, who take shelter in a church.
He said in December 2024, "This is cruelty. This is not war."
The ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza has resulted in the killing of at least 52,000 Palestinians, with injuries rising to more than 118,000, including children and women, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry.
