Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, made a final gesture of compassion before his death by donating one of his famous popemobiles to aid medical efforts in Gaza. Caritas officials confirmed that the vehicle will be converted into a mobile clinic to provide urgent healthcare to those in need. This donation was made public as Israel approved plans to occupy the Gaza Strip indefinitely, further complicating the humanitarian situation.

Mobile Clinic to Deliver Essential Medical Aid

Caritas Jerusalem, in collaboration with branches in Sweden, revealed images of the popemobile converted into a mobile clinic on Monday. The clinic is set to provide primary healthcare to children once a humanitarian corridor reopens. Although the exact timeline for deployment is not yet clear, the organization has shared details about the clinic’s equipment and capabilities.

The converted vehicle will be equipped with essential medical tools, including diagnostic devices, treatment stations, and examination equipment. It will also carry vital supplies such as test kits, suture materials, vaccines, oxygen tanks, syringes, and needles, along with a refrigerator for perishable items.

A Symbol of Pope Francis’s Compassion for Gaza

Anton Asfar, the Secretary General of Caritas Jerusalem, spoke about the significance of the donation, calling it a powerful symbol of Pope Francis’s compassion for the most vulnerable people in Gaza. Asfar highlighted the Pope’s unwavering concern for the crisis and his desire to provide some form of relief to those suffering.

“Pope Francis has always shown deep concern for the people of Gaza, and this donation reflects his enduring commitment to helping those in need,” Asfar said.

Pope Francis’s Continued Advocacy for Gaza

Throughout the ongoing conflict, Pope Francis did not shy away from speaking out against the violence. He was a vocal critic of the Israeli Defense Forces’ tactics during their military campaign in Gaza. The Pope called for an investigation into whether Israel’s actions could be considered genocide, a claim that Israel strongly rejected.

Even while he was hospitalized with pneumonia in February, Pope Francis continued to express his concern for Gaza’s civilians. He regularly called Gaza’s only Catholic church, checking on the safety of the people sheltering there.

Pope Francis’s passing on April 21 marked the end of a papacy defined by outspoken advocacy for peace and humanitarian causes. His actions, including this final donation, are a testament to his dedication to the well-being of the world’s most vulnerable populations.