In a moving tribute to one of his final wishes, late Pope Francis’ iconic popemobile is set to be transformed into a mobile health clinic for children in war-ravaged Gaza. The New York Post reported that the pontiff had personally expressed this desire in his last months, aiming to bring essential medical aid to a region where healthcare access has crumbled.
The vehicle, originally gifted to Francis by the Catholic charity Caritas Jerusalem during his 2014 visit to the West Bank, will now serve a far greater mission. According to the charity, the pope envisioned the popemobile offering mobile care to injured and malnourished children across Gaza, where the health system has nearly collapsed amid ongoing conflict.
‘Not Just a Vehicle, It’s a Message’
Caritas Jerusalem, which is overseeing the transformation, emphasized the deeper purpose behind the move. “The purpose of the initiative is to safeguard and uphold children’s fundamental rights and dignity,” the organization said in a statement.
Peter Brune, Secretary General of Caritas Sweden, noted that the vehicle would carry doctors and essential medical equipment. “This is concrete, life-saving intervention at a time when the health system in Gaza has almost completely collapsed,” Brune said. “It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza.”
Awaiting Final Approvals
Before it enters Gaza, the vehicle will be fitted with blast-proof windows and medical gear to test for infections and treat wounds. Caritas Jerusalem is currently awaiting clearance from Israeli authorities to move the clinic into the strip.
Anton Asfar of Caritas Jerusalem told Vatican News, “This vehicle represents the love, care and closeness shown by His Holiness for the most vulnerable, which he expressed throughout the crisis.”
Pope Francis, who passed away in April, had been a vocal critic of the war in Gaza. In his final Easter message, he described the humanitarian situation in the region as “dramatic and deplorable,” and repeatedly called for peace and the release of hostages.
