Christians in Gaza Mourn Pope Francis' Passing: 'He Renewed Our Hope'

April 24, 2025 | 05:07 pm

In the city of Gaza, the small Christian community mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 in the Vatican after suffering from a prolonged illness.

As reported by Palestine Chronicle, Pope Francis was known for his outspoken calls for peace and justice in Gaza. He consistently condemned violence against civilians and called for an immediate ceasefire in the besieged enclave.

In January 2025, he described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as "very serious and shameful," and condemned the bombing of civilians and the destruction of hospitals. He repeatedly urged all parties to halt the violence and called on the international community to provide humanitarian assistance.

In his final public address, read on behalf of the Pope at Easter, Francis called for peace in Gaza, the release of hostages, and urgent aid for the starving population. He warned that "without justice, there is no peace," and called for an investigation into what he described as actions that may constitute genocide.

Pope Francis' legacy in Gaza is that of a tireless peace advocate, a source of strength for the vulnerable, and a voice that refuses to let the world forget the suffering of the people of Gaza.

Despite the physical distance from the Vatican, Pope Francis' voice resonates deeply with the Christian community in Gaza, who are now mourning his passing. During the brutal Israeli onslaught in Gaza, the Pope remained a steadfast spiritual ally, consistently reaching out to support this small and vulnerable group.

During the conflict, he often engaged with the Christian community in Gaza through video calls - sometimes several times a week - to convey prayers and encouragement, according to Al Mayadeen.

Reflecting on Pope Francis' Impact in Gaza

Members of the Christian community in Gaza shared touching memories with AFP, as reported by Al Mayadeen, emphasizing the hope inspired by Pope Francis’ words. Elias al-Sayegh, a 49-year-old resident of Zeitun in Gaza, reminisced, "I always waited to hear the words of the Holy Father. I would watch him on television, and through the screens. He gave us hope with his messages and prayers."

Al-Sayegh, who regularly joined the Pope's video calls, explained, "Every day, he renewed our hope for an end to the war and the bloodshed. His prayers will remain with us — for peace in the land of peace, Palestine."

The Light of Peace Has Been Extinguished

George Ayad from Gaza City expressed his sadness over the Pope's passing, saying, "We in Gaza feel as though a light of love and peace has been extinguished.” He added, "Though the Vatican is far away, his voice always reached our hearts — he never ceased calling for peace and justice."

Ayad highlighted how, even amidst the ongoing blockade, Israeli bombings, hunger, and suffering, the Pope's words became a beacon of hope. "The pope never forgot Gaza in his prayers — and today, we offer ours for his soul," he said.

Call to Remember Gaza

Ibrahim al-Tarazi from the Al-Rimal neighborhood in Gaza described the news of Pope Francis' death as "heartbreaking and shocking piece of news for all Christians in Gaza and Palestine, and for peace lovers around the world." He assured that the Pope's prayers and blessings remain with the Christian community in the Palestinian enclave, inspiring hope for peace in Gaza and its surroundings.

Ramez al-Souri, also from Gaza City, said that the Pope's voice echoed worldwide with a plea: "Do not forget Gaza, do not forget the oppressed."

Pope Francis' Final Public Address

On Easter Sunday, marking his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital after a health battle against double pneumonia, Pope Francis delivered a powerful speech, calling the situation in Gaza "deplorable" and urging an immediate ceasefire.

Speaking before thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope expressed his solidarity with Christians in Palestine and Israel, as well as all those affected by the conflict. He voiced his concern about the increasing global anti-Semitism but emphasized the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza, specifically for the Christian community.

The Pope also acknowledged the fragile situation of the Christian communities in Lebanon and Syria, urging the global Church to continue praying for the Christians of the Middle East. "I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace," he pleaded.

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