Pope Francis Sends Final Blessing to Gaza Community Before His Death Highlighting His Continued Care for the Struggling Region

On the evening of April 19, 2025, just hours before his passing, Pope Francis reached out to a community in Gaza that had been deeply affected by ongoing conflict.

Father Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of Holy Family Parish, shared the details of the Pope’s heartfelt communication during his last call to them.

The Pope had expressed his prayers for their safety, blessed them, and thanked them for their prayers on his behalf.

This final act of closeness, Romanelli noted, highlighted the Pope’s unwavering pastoral care and love for the small Christian community in Gaza.

Pope Francis’ Ongoing Support for Gaza Amid Conflict

The Argentine priest, visibly moved, spoke to Vatican News about the Holy Father’s commitment to Gaza, noting that the Pope had consistently kept in touch with them throughout the 19 months of intense conflict.

Despite the challenges, including his recent hospitalization for bronchitis and pneumonia, Pope Francis maintained a strong spiritual connection, checking in on their well-being, their food supply, and even the children.

Father Romanelli recalled how, even during his hospitalization in Gemelli Hospital for 38 days, the Pope continued to offer words of comfort and encouragement, never ceasing his support for the people of Gaza.

A Shelter of Hope for Gaza’s Displaced People

The parish complex, under Father Romanelli’s leadership, became a beacon of hope for many during the violence.

Amid the devastating attacks between Israel and Hamas, the parish has provided shelter to around 500 people, including both Orthodox Christians and Catholics, along with over 50 Muslim children with disabilities and their families.

The community in Gaza, which has faced unimaginable hardship, is now united in prayer for the late Pope, with both Catholic and Orthodox Christians coming together to honor his memory.

Pope Francis’ Call for Peace and Justice Echoes in Gaza

Father Romanelli expressed the deep hope that Pope Francis’ calls for peace and justice would not go unheard.

He urged an end to the bombings, the resolution of the ongoing war, the release of hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to those suffering.

The words of the Pope, always rooted in compassion and a desire for peace, continue to resonate deeply in Gaza, where his legacy of prayer and action will remain alive in the hearts of the people.

This report, originally published by ACI Prensa, has been translated and adapted for English-speaking audiences by CNA.