Gaza Christians Reflect on Their Conversations with Pope Francis
Gaza City, Palestine – In the midst of ongoing conflict and hardship, 72-year-old Kamal Anton has found solace in Pope Francis, a figure of unwavering support for Gaza’s Christian community. Since the escalation of violence, Anton has sought refuge in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, a sanctuary that holds painful memories for him as it is where he lost his wife and daughter to an Israeli sniper in December 2023. This loss underscores the immense toll the ongoing war has taken on him and the more than two million Palestinians in Gaza, where recent months have seen over 50,000 lives lost and hopes for peace remain distant.
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 after a battle with illness, had established a meaningful connection with Gaza’s small Christian population. Prior to his health decline, he made a point to reach out to them daily, offering prayers and words of encouragement. Just two days before his passing, he spoke to the community, extending Easter greetings and prayers for peace, reinforcing his commitment to stand with both Christians and Muslims during these challenging times.
Kamal reflected on the pope’s consistent message of peace, stating, “He never forgot the word ‘peace’ in any of his calls with us throughout the war. His support included all of us—Christians and Muslims alike.” This sentiment is echoed throughout the Holy Family Church, which provides shelter to approximately 550 displaced Palestinian Christians. Despite multiple attacks on the church during the conflict, it remains a beacon of hope, where individuals find comfort in music, prayer, and the presence of their dedicated parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.
The death of Pope Francis has been mourned deeply across the community not solely as a loss of spiritual guidance but also as the departure of a robust advocate for their rights. He consistently called for peace and a ceasefire, urging both sides to recognize the human cost of ongoing violence. During his final public message delivered on Easter, he emphasized the dire need for humanitarian aid in Gaza, pledging solidarity with those affected.
Support from the Vatican had not only been spiritual but also material, with aid being provided until it was blocked in March. Kamal noted this generosity, sharing, “Everyone in Gaza knows how much the Vatican supported us. We always shared that aid with our Muslim neighbors too.” This spirit of solidarity is a testament to the unity that often transcends religious boundaries during times of crisis.
Kamal’s fellow parishioner, Maher Terzi, also expressed his grief over the pope’s passing. Displaced since the onset of the war, Maher spoke of the strength that Pope Francis had instilled in them, reminding them not to fear and emphasizing his commitment to their future. “His death is a catastrophe and a shock for us during such a difficult time,” Maher lamented. Yet, amid sorrow, stories of resilience and hope shine through, reinforcing the community’s spirit as they navigate these perilous times together.
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