Jerusalem: Members of Gaza’s small Christian community expressed deep sorrow on Monday following the death of Pope Francis, who had been a constant source of support and hope for them throughout the turmoil in the region. The pope, a passionate advocate for peace in the besieged enclave, spoke with them every evening during the war, offering words of comfort and solidarity.
His influence extended far beyond Gaza, with Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian Christians — both Catholic and Orthodox — praising Francis for his steadfast engagement during a time of widespread hardship, conflict, and persecution across the Middle East.
“We lost a saint who taught us every day how to be brave, how to keep patient and stay strong. We lost a man who fought every day in every direction to protect this small herd of his,” said George Antone, 44, head of the emergency committee at the Holy Family Church in Gaza. “We will continue his fight for peace.”
Palestinians in Gaza mourned the passing of Pope Francis, who had reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in the region a day before he died https://t.co/OsNu3ozbIE pic.twitter.com/PCsDh00w1S
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 21, 2025
Francis’ nightly calls to Gaza began just hours after the war erupted in October 2023. His calls, described by the Vatican News Service as a nightly ritual, became a crucial part of the community’s emotional support. During each conversation, the pope spoke not only with the priest but also addressed everyone gathered at the church, offering a sense of connection and solidarity to the beleaguered community.
“We are heartbroken because of the death of Pope Francis, but we know that he is leaving behind a church that cares for us and that knows us by name – every single one of us,” Antone said. “He used to tell each one: I am with you, don’t be afraid.”
Francis made his final call on Saturday night, as confirmed by Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of the Holy Family parish. “He said he was praying for us, he blessed us, and he thanked us for our prayers,” Romanelli told the Vatican News Service.
The next day, in his last public statement on Easter, Francis made an impassioned appeal for peace in Gaza, urging the warring factions to “call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”
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“Peace in This Land”
At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a site sacred to Christians, Father Stephane Milovitch, the superior of the Latin community, reflected on Francis’ legacy as a tireless advocate for peace. “We wish that peace will finally come very soon in this land and we wish the next pope will be able to help bring peace to Jerusalem and to all the world,” Milovitch said.
In Lebanon, where conflict between Israel and Hezbollah resulted in severe casualties and displacement, members of the Catholic Maronite community also remembered Francis for his advocacy. “He’s a saint for us because he carried Lebanon and the Middle East in his heart, especially in the last period of war,” said a priest in Rmeish, a town devastated during last year’s conflict.
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Marie-Jo Dib, who works with a social foundation in Lebanon, recalled Francis’ constant support: “We always felt he was very involved, mobilizing all Catholic institutions and funds to help Lebanon through the crises we faced.”
“He was a rebel, and I really pray that the next pope will be like him,” she added.
Francis’ commitment to the Middle East was evident in his frequent visits, including his 2021 trip to Iraq, where he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Mosul, a city once controlled by the Islamic State. During his visit, he toured the ruins of four churches destroyed by the militants and issued a powerful appeal for peace.
In Syria, Archbishop Antiba Nicolas of Damascus reflected on the pope’s unwavering support during the country’s ongoing crisis. “He used to say ‘dearest Syria’ every time he spoke of Syria,” Nicolas said. “He called on all international organizations to support Syria, the Christian presence, and the church in Syria during the crisis in the past years.”
