Gaza City, Palestine – When George Antone, a congregant at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, first had the opportunity to speak with Pope Francis during the pontiff’s nightly calls to the church, he was left speechless. It was October 2023, shortly after Hamas had initiated a destructive conflict in the Gaza Strip by attacking Israel. Despite seeking refuge in churches, the Christian community in the Palestinian territory remained under threat. Tragedy struck when an Israeli airstrike claimed the lives of 18 individuals at the Greek Orthodox church, and soon, civilians at the Holy Family church fell victim to snipers and bombs.
Antone recalled his initial hesitance when Father Yousef handed him the phone to speak with Pope Francis. The pontiff, with a warm smile, engaged Antone in conversation about his daily meals and family, establishing a personal connection that made Antone feel as though he had lost a father. Despite never meeting in person, Francis’s consistent calls over the course of 18 months provided solace to Gaza’s Christian community, assuring them that they were not forgotten. The pope’s passing, therefore, was a hard blow to those he had comforted through his nightly calls.
Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest at the Holy Family, reflected on Francis’s unwavering support, noting that even during his hospitalization, the pope continued checking on them. The sense of loss felt by the community was profound, as they viewed Francis not just as a religious leader, but as a valued member of their church. Throughout his 12-year tenure, Francis made multiple trips to the Middle East, including a historic visit to Iraq in 2021 where he addressed the impact of religious conflict and extremism.
Under Francis’s leadership, the Vatican recognized the state of Palestine in 2015. The pope openly criticized Israel’s actions during the Gaza conflict, advocating for an investigation into whether the violence amounted to genocide – a claim disputed by Israel. Despite Francis’s passing, the Vatican’s support for the Holy Family endures. The church currently provides shelter for 500 individuals, both Christian and Muslim, offering essential supplies and medical assistance to neighboring families amidst Gaza’s escalating humanitarian crisis.
Francis’s final call to the Holy Family church came on a Saturday evening, shortly before Easter, as his health deteriorated. The pope’s Easter Sunday address carried special significance for Bahia Ayad, a congregant at the church, serving as a poignant message of hope amidst the ongoing conflict. Ayad expressed gratitude for Francis’s advocacy, particularly during times when they felt abandoned by the world. The pontiff’s unwavering support served as a beacon of light in the midst of darkness, rallying for an end to the war in Gaza.
