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Pope Francis’s Former Popemobile Unveiled as Gaza Child Clinic, Awaiting Israeli Approval

Caritas refitted the 2014 Bethlehem vehicle at the late pope’s request to bring pediatric care to Gaza’s children.

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The mobile clinic was unveiled in Bethlehem, close to the Church of the Nativity
Pope Francis visited Bethlehem in May 2014 as part of a three-day Middle East tour. The popemobile he used has been transformed into a clinic
Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius blessed the converted popemobile which is intended to become a children's clinic in Gaza

Overview

  • The white “Vehicle of Hope” was presented in Bethlehem near the Church of the Nativity and blessed by Cardinal Anders Arborelius.
  • The mobile clinic is equipped for trauma stabilisation, post‑amputation care, vaccines, stitches and infection tests, with six to eight hours of off‑grid power.
  • Up to 200 children can be seen daily by medical staff, with patients treated in the chair once used by Pope Francis.
  • Entry to Gaza is not yet approved; Caritas says it has sought access through official channels, and Israel’s COGAT offered no on‑the‑record comment and has indicated no request has been received.
  • The popemobile, a 2014 gift from Mahmoud Abbas and later held by Franciscan friars, was converted by Palestinian mechanics for about US$15,000 to operate alongside existing mobile clinics.