MWE Correspondent
In a powerful symbol of compassion and hope, one of the late Pope Francis’ iconic popemobiles is being transformed into a mobile health clinic to serve children in the Gaza Strip—fulfilling what has been described as one of his final wishes before passing away in April 2025.
The white vehicle, famously used by the Pope during his 2014 visit to Bethlehem, had been on display in the region for years. Now, instead of ferrying a pontiff through cheering crowds, it will carry medical supplies and staff to some of Gaza’s most vulnerable children.
The initiative is being led by Caritas Jerusalem, with support from Caritas Sweden. The idea to repurpose the popemobile into a life-saving clinic came from Peter Brune, Secretary General of Caritas Sweden, who proposed it to Pope Francis in the final months of his life. The Pope, known for his deep concern for children, refugees, and victims of war, gave his blessing to the project shortly before his death.
“This is not just a medical intervention. It’s a humanitarian act of love, and it speaks directly to what the Pope stood for,” said Brune in a statement.
Once retrofitted, the vehicle will be fully equipped with essential medical tools—such as vaccines, diagnostic kits, and infection screening equipment—and will be staffed by professional healthcare workers. The goal is to deliver immediate care to children suffering from malnutrition, injury, and disease, particularly in areas where medical services have been destroyed or are inaccessible.
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What makes the gesture even more touching is that children receiving care will be seated in the same spot where Pope Francis once sat—a powerful message meant to affirm their dignity and remind them they are not forgotten.
“The children of Gaza will sit where the Pope once did. It’s a reminder that their lives matter. That the world still sees them,” Brune added.
Caritas Jerusalem, which has worked in Gaza under increasingly difficult circumstances for decades, sees the project not just as healthcare outreach but as a mission of peace. The popemobile’s transformation into a mobile clinic is set to be completed in the coming weeks, depending on final clearance for entry into Gaza.
As the conflict continues to devastate the region, Gaza’s healthcare system has been pushed to the brink. Aid organizations warn that children, in particular, face severe threats due to lack of access to treatment and nutrition.
With this converted popemobile—a vehicle once meant to inspire faith and hope—Pope Francis’ enduring message of compassion will now reach those who need it most. In a place so often associated with despair, this initiative seeks to deliver not just medicine, but also humanity.
