One of Pope Francis’ iconic popemobiles, originally used during his 2014 visit to Bethlehem, is being repurposed into a mobile health clinic to provide urgent medical care for children in Gaza.
The initiative, spearheaded by humanitarian organization Caritas, follows a personal request from the late pope before his passing last month. The vehicle, currently located in Bethlehem, is being retrofitted with essential medical equipment for frontline care, including rapid test kits, suture tools, oxygen supplies, vaccines, syringes, and a refrigerated unit for medicines.
According to the Vatican, this mission represents Pope Francis’ “final wish for the children of Gaza.” The mobile clinic will be deployed into the Gaza Strip once Israel opens a humanitarian corridor.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which reignited in October 2023, has led to a devastating toll on civilians, particularly children. UNICEF reports that over 15,000 children have been killed, with nearly a million displaced and humanitarian aid severely restricted for over two months. Food, clean water, and essential medicines are critically scarce.
Peter Brune, Secretary General of Caritas Sweden, emphasized the urgency and symbolism of the mission:
“With the vehicle, we will be able to reach children who today have no access to health care – children who are injured and malnourished. It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza.”
The mobile clinic will be staffed by a team of doctors and a designated driver. Caritas is still finalizing security measures to protect the vehicle from potential blasts during deployment.
Pope Francis was a vocal critic of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, often appealing for ceasefires and expressing deep concern for Palestinian and Israeli civilians. He frequently contacted Gaza parishioners personally and questioned whether the Israeli military’s campaign could amount to genocide, a claim strongly denied by Israel.
The popemobile, once a symbol of papal outreach, now takes on new purpose—offering hope and healing to Gaza’s most vulnerable.
