Gaza's Christian Community Remembers a Champion for Peace

The small Christian community in Gaza has expressed profound sorrow following the death of Pope Francis, who actively reached out to them during the ongoing war. The Pope, known for his vocal criticism of the Israeli military actions in Gaza, used his last public moments to plead for an immediate ceasefire in the "tragic" conflict before passing away at the age of 88 due to complications from double pneumonia.

George Antone, who leads the emergency committee at Holy Family Church in Gaza, shared poignant reflections on the loss, emphasizing that they have lost a guiding figure who embodied courage and strength. Since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, the Pope maintained a nightly communication with the local Catholic community, ensuring that he connected not just with clergy but also with the congregation present, reassuring them of his unwavering support and presence.

Despite the sorrow, Antone noted that the Pope left behind a committed church community that stands together, highlighting how Francis consistently reminded them to remain fearless. In a final call made just before his death, the Pope reiterated his appeal for peace, emphasizing the dire situation in Gaza while also calling on Hamas to release hostages and expressing concern over rising antisemitism globally.

Throughout his papacy, Francis was generally cautious with his political commentary, yet he made notable exceptions regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, increasingly condemning the impact of military actions. Previously, he had framed the situation in the Palestinian enclave as critically serious and shameful, emphasizing the ethical obligation to protect civilians.

Global reactions to his passing included heartfelt tributes from various leaders. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas recognized the Pope as a steadfast ally of the Palestinian cause, commemorating his dedication to peace and justice. Meanwhile, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog acknowledged the Pope's commitment to interfaith dialogue and expressed hope that his prayers for peace would soon materialize.

At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, clergy reflected on Francis's commitment to peace, praying for an end to conflict and hoping the next papal leader would continue his legacy of promoting harmony in the region. This somber moment is juxtaposed with the backdrop of an escalated conflict that began with the October 7 attacks in Israel, which resulted in significant loss of life on both sides. Following the conflicts, local health authorities report the tragic toll of over 51,000 Palestinian lives lost, underlining the urgent need for reconciliation and peace.