Tue Apr 22 08:37:52 UTC 2025: ## Gaza’s Christians Mourn Pope Francis, Remembering His unwavering Support During War
**GAZA CITY** – Gaza’s small Christian community is mourning the death of Pope Francis, expressing deep gratitude for his unwavering support and frequent contact throughout the ongoing conflict with Israel. Since October 2023, the Pope maintained consistent video calls with Palestinian Christians, often multiple times a week, offering prayers, encouragement, and solidarity amidst the devastation.
Residents described the Pope’s calls as a lifeline, providing hope and strength during a time of intense hardship. Elias al-Sayegh, 49, stated, “He gave us hope with his messages and prayers. We felt we were alive because of his prayers and blessings.” Another resident, 67-year-old George Ayad, echoed these sentiments, saying the Pope’s voice “reached our hearts” and served as “a beacon of hope” during the blockade.
The Pope’s regular calls provided much-needed spiritual comfort and a sense of connection to the wider world, contrasting sharply with the isolation and suffering endured by Gaza’s Christian population. His passing is seen as a significant loss, leaving a void in their lives and leaving them feeling the extinguishment of “a light of love and peace.”
First Piper 