In one of his final acts of compassion, Pope Francis instructed that his popemobile be repurposed into a mobile clinic to serve children in Gaza, a region he remained closely connected to throughout the conflict.
The Vatican confirmed that the late pontiff entrusted this mission to Caritas Jerusalem before his death, in what is now being described as his final blessing to a people he called “wounded but never forgotten.”
During the war, Pope Francis maintained daily video contact with residents in Gaza, offering them words of encouragement and prayer. Church sources described these calls as a lifeline of hope for families trapped in dire conditions.
“He would ask, ‘How are the children today?’” one priest recalled. “His heart never left their side.”
In a statement, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development said: “In his final months, the Holy Father commissioned Caritas to turn the popemobile into a vehicle of mercy, capable of delivering healthcare to Gaza’s most vulnerable. It was a gesture in line with his life’s mission to be close to the margins of suffering.”
The iconic vehicle—once used to wave at jubilant crowds across continents—is now being fitted with diagnostic kits, vaccination units, and emergency treatment supplies.
Caritas says it will deploy the mobile clinic to some of Gaza’s most devastated areas once humanitarian access is restored.
“This is more than a clinic,” said Anton Asfar, Secretary General of Caritas Jerusalem.
“It is a message that the Pope’s presence, his love, remains with the children of Gaza. He chose not to forget them.”
Peter Brune of Caritas Sweden added: “With this ambulance, we’ll be able to reach injured and malnourished children who have had no access to care.
In a region where the health system is in ruins, this is a vital intervention.”
Photos released by Caritas show teams carefully modifying the vehicle’s interior to accommodate medical staff and equipment.
The Vatican clarified that the work reflects not just a logistical operation, but a deeply symbolic gesture of peace and remembrance.
Despite the outpouring of grief across the Arab world, reports emerged that Israeli authorities had removed several online obituaries and condolence posts relating to Pope Francis, including those shared by government officials.
Some officials were reportedly instructed to withdraw their tributes from social media.
The Vatican has not officially commented on the move, but Church sources say they were aware of the censorship and consider it “regrettable.”
Nevertheless, the Holy See insists the Pope’s final wish remains alive in action.
“He said often: Children are not numbers. They are faces. Names. Stories. And each one is sacred,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni noted.
“This ambulance is his voice still speaking.”
The vehicle is expected to enter service in Gaza by the end of May.