The Historic Call
When George Antone, a 44-year-old congregant, first spoke with Pope Francis during the pontiff’s nightly calls to the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City in October 2023, he was left speechless.
Context of War
This moment came weeks after Hamas initiated a brutal conflict by attacking Israel, resulting in a devastating war in the Gaza Strip. The small Christian community in Gaza sought refuge in its three churches, but safety was elusive. An Israeli airstrike had recently targeted the Greek Orthodox church, leading to the deaths of 18 people, while snipers and bombings threatened civilians at Holy Family.
A Heartfelt Conversation
“I was so nervous when Father Yousef passed me the phone and I saw his holiness on the screen. I couldn’t believe it — what should I say?” said Antone, who recalled the pope’s warm smile as he inquired about his meals and family. “We talked about everything. He made an effort to know all of us… We have lost someone who felt like our father.”
Lasting Impact on the Community
Gaza has faced enormous suffering throughout 18 months of war, but despite never meeting in person, Pope Francis’s regular calls for the past year and a half reassured the Christian community that they were not forgotten. His recent passing is profoundly felt among them.
A Voice for Peace
Father Gabriel Romanelli, the Holy Family parish priest since 2019, stated, “Even when he was in the hospital, he would check on us. Our sorrow is deep as we have lost someone we considered part of our community.” In one of his last public appearances, Francis condemned the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for a ceasefire.
Support Through Challenges
In response to the outbreak of war, the 88-year-old pontiff reached out to Holy Family’s priests to offer support and maintain regular communication, demonstrating his profound empathy for the suffering community. Bahia Ayad, 80, a congregant, recounted how he reassured them, saying, “Do not be afraid. I am with you, and I will fight for your peace.”
Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
Despite the loss of Pope Francis, the Vatican’s support persists, as the Holy Family Church currently shelters around 500 individuals, both Christians and Muslims. This facility also provides essential food, water, and medical aid amid an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
