"Gaza's Christians Reflect on Lost Connection with Pope Francis"

In the wake of Pope Francis's death, Gaza's remaining Christians express their grief, feeling like orphans after losing a beloved friend who offered daily calls of encouragement throughout the war.

For months, the tiny Christian community in Gaza has been grappling with the emotional void left by the passing of Pope Francis. Known for his heartfelt outreach, the Pope maintained a regular communication channel with parishioners of the Holy Family Catholic Church, providing solace during the harrowing days of conflict. In a poignant video shared by the Vatican after his death, the Pope is seen expressing concern for their wellbeing, asking about their daily meals in both Arabic and Italian.

Now, as the war in Gaza persists, Father Gabriel Romanelli recalls those late-night conversations, which offered hope amid chaos. “He called us daily during the war, on the black days under the bombing,” Romanelli reflected. Local community members, including emergency coordinator George Anton, share a profound sense of loss—"We felt like 'Oh my God, we're like orphans now,” Anton remarked. The lack of calls from the Pope feels like losing a guiding light, leaving them anxious about the future.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was a vocal advocate for peace in the ever-turbulent region, most recently urging an end to the violence during his final Easter message. His attention to the plight of Gaza's Christians and criticism of the ongoing war were notable, as they cultivated a special bond with the people there.

As a conclave is about to begin in Rome to choose the next Pope, both Palestinians and Israelis await to see how the new leader will address their longstanding conflicts. For the Gazan Christians, the hope remains that the successor will mirror the compassion and commitment to peace demonstrated by Pope Francis.