When Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, the world mourned not only a spiritual leader but a geopolitical figure whose compassion for those in pain redefined the papacy. Among his most remarkable legacies was his unwavering concern for the people of Gaza, particularly its tiny Christian community, during the devastating war that raged since October 2023.
Even as illness weakened him, Francis maintained a near-nightly ritual of calling the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, a gesture unprecedented in papal history for its personal, persistent engagement with a community under siege.
His actions, coupled with his bold geopolitical stances, cemented his reputation as a pope who went beyond his predecessors in advocating for the marginalized and challenging global indifference.
From the outset of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, Pope Francis made it his mission to stay connected with Gaza’s Christian community, numbering fewer than 700 by 2025. The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip, became a sanctuary for hundreds of Christians and Muslims seeking refuge from relentless bombardment and a crippling Israeli blockade.
Pope Francis began calling the church almost every evening at 8 p.m., speaking with Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, and members of the congregation. These calls, often conducted in Spanish due to their shared Argentine roots, were not mere formalities. Francis inquired about their daily struggles—whether they had food, clean water, or had been injured—offering prayers, blessings, and a fatherly presence that gave hope amid despair.Even as double pneumonia hospitalized him in early 2025,
Pope Francis persisted with these calls, though less frequently, until just two days before his death. On Saturday, April 19, 2025, he spoke to the congregation for the last time, thanking them for their resilience and asking for their prayers. “He told us not to worry as he would always be there for us,” said George Antone, head of the church’s emergency committee.
The calls, described by Father Romanelli as “a singular expression of his love,” were a lifeline for a community that felt abandoned by the world. No pope in history is known to have maintained such consistent, personal contact with a war-torn community, making Francis’s commitment to Gaza unparalleled.Beyond Gaza’s Christians: A Voice for All Palestinians
Popr Francis’s concern extended beyond the Christian minority to the broader Palestinian population. He frequently asked about schools, hospitals, and the humanitarian crisis engulfing Gaza, where over 51,200 Palestinians were killed by April 2025, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. His nightly conversations often included pleas for the congregation to convey messages to world leaders, urging action to alleviate the suffering.
5Antone noted, “He was the only voice that did not go silent,” emphasizing Francis’s role as a global advocate for all Palestinians.In public, Francis was equally vocal. In his final Easter Sunday address on April 20, 2025, delivered by an aide due to his frailty, he condemned the “dramatic and deplorable” humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and aid for a “starving people.”
His language grew increasingly sharp over time. In November 2024, he suggested the international community investigate whether Israel’s military campaign constituted genocide, a statement that drew ire from Israeli officials but underscored his willingness to confront powerful nations. He also condemned specific incidents, such as the 2023 killing of two Christian women at the Holy Family Church by an Israeli sniper, declaring that “unarmed civilians are targets for bombs and gunfire.
Pope Francis’s engagement with Gaza was part of a broader geopolitical legacy that positioned him as a player on the world stage, distinct from his predecessors. Unlike many popes who avoided explicit political stances, Francis tackled global crises head-on, addressing wealth inequality, climate change, nationalism, and conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
His approach to Gaza exemplified his commitment to what he called “peace-making,” which he argued “requires courage, much more so than warfare.”Advocacy for a Two-State Solution: Under Francis’s leadership, the Vatican recognized the State of Palestine in 2015, a bold diplomatic move that signaled support for Palestinian self-determination. In his final writings, he reiterated his support for a Palestinian state, a stance that contrasted with the policies of many Western governments.
Holy Father Pope Francis did not shy away from challenging the United States and its allies, particularly for their support of Israel’s actions in Gaza. His meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on his final day underscored his willingness to engage directly with global leaders, even as he criticized their policies.
His condemnation of Israel’s blockade, which he linked to enforced starvation, was a direct rebuke of actions backed by Western powers.Interfaith and Humanitarian Leadership: Pope Francis fostered interfaith dialogue, urging Hamas to release hostages and condemning global antisemitism while supporting Gaza’s Muslims and Christians alike.
The Holy Family Church, under his guidance, became a hub for food, water, and medical aid for thousands, regardless of faith. His 2014 visit to the occupied West Bank, where he prayed at Israel’s separation barrier, was a powerful symbol of solidarity with Palestinians.
Pope Francis’s outspokenness on Gaza exposed the hypocrisy of Western leaders who praised his compassion but ignored his calls for action. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden lauded his work with the poor, yet sidestepped his criticism of their policies on Gaza. Guardian columnist Owen Jones noted that Francis’s statements, such as calling Israel’s actions “terrorism,” received scant coverage in Western media, highlighting his role as a moral counterweight to political narratives.
Pope Francis’s concern for Gaza was not just a reaction to crisis but a reflection of his lifelong commitment to the “poor, the downtrodden, and the forgotten.” His predecessors, such as John Paul II and Benedict XVI, addressed global conflicts, but none matched Francis’s personal involvement or willingness to risk controversy.
Pope John Paul II’s focus on Eastern Europe and Benedict’s theological emphasis contrasted with Francis’s hands-on, almost rebellious approach, as described by Lebanese social worker Marie-Jo Dib: “He was a rebel and I really pray that the next pope will be like him.”The Christians of Gaza, now feeling “orphaned,” described Pope Francis as a shield and a father.
Suhail Abu Dawoud, a 19-year-old Christian, said, “He was our biggest supporter after God. He always healed our wounds and asked us to be strong.” His material support, including aid deliveries until Israel’s blockade in March 2025, helped sustain the community.
As the Vatican prepares to elect a new pope, the world watches to see if Pope Francis’s successor will carry forward his fearless advocacy. His death leaves a void not only in Gaza but in global geopolitics, where he stood as a rare voice for the voiceless. In his final words to Gaza’s Christians, Francis promised to be with them “until his last breath.” He kept that promise, leaving behind a church—and a world—challenged to emulate his courage and compassion.
