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Pope Francis’ Last Initiative: Using the Popemobile to Help Children in Gaza

 In his final months, Pope Francis directed the humanitarian organization Caritas to turn his popemobile into a mobile health station for the children in Gaza. The purpose of the initiative is to safeguard and uphold children’s fundamental rights and dignity. The popemobile is now being rebuilt, and the first photos from the project have been released.

 

 children. When access to food, water and healthcare is cut off, children are often the first and hardest hit. Starvation, infection and other preventable conditions put their lives at risk. 

Before his passing, pope Francis made his popemobile available to Caritas Jerusalem, which is now turning it into a mobile health unit for children. When the humanitarian corridor to Gaza reopens it will be ready to give primary healthcare to children in Gaza. 

 

Pope Francis blessed the endeavor and everyone involved in continuing his care for the vulnerable.

 ‘With the vehicle, we will be able to reach children who today have no access to health care – childrenwho are injured and malnourished. This is a concrete, life-saving intervention at a time when the health system in Gaza has almost completely collapsed’ says Peter Brune, Secretary General of Caritas Sweden, which is supporting the initiative.

The vehicle will be staffed by a driver and medical doctors. It is currently being fitted with equipment for diagnosis, examination and treatment – including rapid tests for infections, suture kits, syringes and needles, oxygen supply, vaccines and a refrigerator for medicines.

‘This vehicle represents the love, care and closeness shown by His Holiness for the most vulnerable, which he expressed throughout the crisis’ says Anton Asfar, Secretary General of Caritas Jerusalem.

Caritas Jerusalem has a long history of providing health care in Gaza under difficult conditions. The organisation has more than hundred staff on the ground.

‘It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a message that the world has not forgotten about the children in Gaza’ says Peter Brune.

 
 

In a remarkable display of dedication and resilience, Caritas Jerusalem has embarked on a crucial mission to provide a total of 14 medical teams across the Gaza Strip. Of these teams, twelve are stationed in the southern regions of Gaza, while two are actively working in Gaza City. This strategic distribution is designed to maximize the reach of our primary health care services all across the strip.

Caritas Jerusalem is also calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. As Mr. Anton Asfar, Secretary General of Caritas Jerusalem, stated, “Our work in Gaza is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the community, even under the most difficult conditions.” Caritas Jerusalem’s dedication to both humanitarian aid and peace advocacy exemplifies a holistic approach to crisis intervention. The organization’s efforts reflect a deep commitment to not only addressing immediate health needs but also fostering a broader environment of stability and security. 

 

 

 

To safeguard and uphold children’s fundamental rights and dignity