Pope Francis’s Special Bond with a Gaza Parish Remembered

Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, after being hospitalized on March 23. He had been undergoing treatment for double pneumonia and related complications for five weeks. He was 88 years old. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was chosen as Pope Benedict XVI’s successor in 2013. He was known for advocating peace amidst global conflicts.

Pope Francis is remembered for his commitment to communities worldwide, with his connection to the Holy Family parish in Gaza being particularly significant. He initiated daily calls to the parish, located thousands of miles away, shortly after the start of the conflict on Oct. 7, 2023.

Following his death, the parish and its congregation are commemorating their unique bond with the religious leader.

George Antone, head of the emergency committee at the Holy Family church in Gaza, told Reuters, “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. 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. He used to tell each one: I am with you, don’t be afraid.”

In a statement, Pope Francis mentioned that his daily 7 p.m. calls to the parish in Gaza were a regular part of his routine. “They tell me about what happens there. It is very tough, very tough,” the Pontiff said. “I listen… and they tell me things. There is a lot of suffering.”

Pope Francis made two calls to the Holy Family church on the day he was hospitalized to offer support. Although he missed some days initially due to his critical condition, he resumed these calls as soon as he was able to resume some work from his hospital bed.

Father Gabriel Romanelli of the Holy Family parish in Gaza, shared on Feb. 26 on the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s website, his joy at the Pope’s resuming of calls.

“That blessed call, as he did every day from the beginning of this terrible war. Pope Francis has called us once again to show his closeness, to pray for us, and to give us his blessing,” said Father Gabriel, who is also Argentinian like Pope Francis. “This is always comforting, knowing that despite his delicate state of health, he continues to think and pray for everyone, for peace in Gaza, and thanking us.”

In a video shared by the Vatican in January, Pope Francis was seen talking to Fathers Gabriel Romanelli and Youssef Asaad, the rector and vice rector of the parish. The Pope inquired about their well-being, and the conversation even touched on their suppers. He also spoke with a local doctor and child during the call.

Cardinal Nichols, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster in the U.K., commented on the special connection between Pope Francis and the Holy Family parish. He stated, “I was pleased to receive word from Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of Holy Family church in Gaza, that he has recently spoken with Pope Francis and his community finds great comfort in hearing the Pope’s voice.”

During the Pope’s hospitalization, the Holy Family parish created a video to send their well wishes to the leader of the Catholic Church. A priest mentioned, “Everyone is praying for you, they are very grateful, and we all wish you health.”

Reportedly, Pope Francis’ last phone call with the parish took place the weekend before he passed away, according to sources.

The Holy Family parish is the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip, which is one of the most densely populated areas globally, where nearly 70% of the structures have been destroyed due to the war, according to a December 2024 report. Christians are reportedly a minority, comprising only a small percentage of the population. The parish holds mass and frequently accommodates over 500 people, providing them with food and shelter.

Pope Francis had consistently voiced his concerns about the conflict following the events of Oct. 7. His prayers for the region were reiterated during his final message and blessing on Easter Sunday. The Pope called for a cease-fire in Gaza and peace in other war-torn regions worldwide.

“I express my closeness to the sufferings of … all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people,” the Pope said in a message delivered to the public by an aide. “I appeal to the warring parties: call a cease-fire, release the hostages, and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!”

(Due to his poor health, Pope Francis was unable to preside over the Easter mass, but still read a message and blessed those who had gathered.)

—With contributions from Rebecca Schneid