Vatican City

On Sunday, the Vatican’s official media announced that one of Pope Francis’ Popemobiles has been repurposed as a mobile health clinic for children in the Gaza Strip, fulfilling one of his wishes.

The vehicle, used by the late Pope during his 2014 visit to the Holy Land, is now equipped with diagnostic and emergency medical tools to aid young patients in Palestinian territories whose healthcare services have been severely impacted by Israeli invasions.

Before passing away last month, Pope Francis had entrusted this initiative to the Catholic aid organization Caritas Jerusalem, according to Vatican News.

Peter Brune, executive director of Caritas Sweden, who is involved in the project, remarked, “This is a concrete, life-saving intervention as Gaza’s healthcare system is nearly in total collapse.”

This mobile unit will include rapid testing for infections, vaccines, diagnostic equipment, and suture kits, with healthcare workers ready to be deployed. Caritas plans to send the clinic to communities in Gaza lacking functional health facilities as soon as humanitarian access is established.

“It’s more than just a vehicle,” Brune stated. “It’s a message that the world hasn’t forgotten the children of Gaza.”

Gaza has a small Christian population, and during the ongoing conflict that began in October 2023 after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, the Vatican reported that Francis would often call the Holy Family Church in Gaza.

Pope Francis had several Popemobiles, and following his 2014 visit to Israel, he acquired multiple vehicles that have remained in the area.

The conclave to elect a new pope is scheduled to commence on May 7th.