In the wake of Pope Francis’s death, Christians in Gaza are feeling a profound sense of loss. With only a few hundred Christians left in the territory, which is home to over 2 million Muslims, the small Christian community has been closely connected to the Pope, especially during challenging times.
For many years, the Pope reached out to the Gazan Christians, particularly during periods of conflict. Father Romanelli shared how the Pope would often call them, even when communication lines were down due to bombings. His efforts to stay in touch provided comfort and support during some of their darkest days.
George Anton, an emergency coordinator at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, recalled his first conversation with the Pope, which left him speechless. He later had regular video calls with the Pope, where he shared his personal struggles, including losing his home and family. The Pope was always supportive, offering blessings and asking how he could help.
Now, with the Pope gone, the Christians in Gaza feel abandoned. Anton expressed that they feel like orphans, missing the Pope’s voice and his unique sense of humor. The loss of such a compassionate figure leaves a significant void in their lives. The community now faces the future without the comfort and encouragement they once received from him.