Gazans honour Pope Francis, remembering his support of Palestinians
The people of Gaza, along with thousands of pro-Palestinian social media users, paid homage to Pope Francis following his death on April 21st.
Many remembered him for his vocal support for Palestinians during the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza, according to Middle East Eye on April 21st.
The Middle East Eye reported that during his final speech on April 20th, the 88-year-old pontiff was on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica while an assistant read out a prayer. He also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and aid delivery.
Throughout the Gaza war, Pope Francis maintained regular contact with Gaza’s small Christian community. He called the Holy Family Church in Gaza City every evening to speak with the priest and those who were there.
George Antone, head of the emergency committee at the church, confirmed that the pope began this routine as early as October 2023.
In January 2024, Pope Francis called the indiscriminate killing of civilians a “crime,” and had previously referred to Israel’s military activity as “terrorism,” The New Arab reported on May 24th 2024. The Israeli foreign ministry summoned the Vatican’s leading diplomat over the late pope’s remarks, in which he alleged that Israel had acted cruelly towards Gaza.
In his book, “Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims Towards a Better World”, Pope Francis wrote that, according to some experts, the situation in Gaza exhibited “the characteristics of genocide”.
Palestinian pastor Munther Isaac stated that Palestinians, but especially the Christian community of Palestinians, had lost a “dear friend.”
Middle East Eye, The New Arab
