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Pope Francis's Popemobile Nears Completion as Mobile Clinic for Gaza's Children

The late pontiff's final wish to aid Gaza's vulnerable children takes shape, with Caritas Jerusalem finalizing retrofitting and awaiting Israeli clearance for deployment.

Pope Francis waves to the crowd, from his popemobile, as he arrives at the Manger Square before presiding over an open-air mass on May 25, 2014, outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank. Pope Francis arrived in Bethlehem to begin the most sensitive part of his three-day Middle East tour aimed at forging regional peace and easing an age-old rift within Christianity.
Pope Francis waves to the crowd from inside his pope-mobile as he arrives at Manger Square to celebrate an open air mass on May 25, 2014 in the West Bank Biblical town of Bethlehem.
Pope Francis arrives to celebrate mass in Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity, believed by many to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem May 25, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Medichini/Pool/File Photo
Pope Francis in the popemobile during his 2014 visit to Gaza

Overview

  • Pope Francis's 2014 popemobile is being transformed into a mobile health clinic to provide critical care for children in the Gaza Strip, fulfilling one of his final wishes.
  • The vehicle is being retrofitted with blast-proof windows, diagnostic tools, vaccines, and emergency medical supplies and will be staffed by medical personnel.
  • Caritas Jerusalem, entrusted by Francis with the initiative, is leading the project with support from Caritas Sweden and private donors.
  • Israeli approval is still pending for the popemobile to enter Gaza, where the healthcare system has collapsed due to war and blockades.
  • If successful, the initiative could serve as a pilot for expanding mobile health services in other conflict-affected areas.