Following his passing on April 21 , Pope Francis's final wish included a humanitarian request concerning children in Gaza .
The Pope requested that his "Popemobile," which he used during his 2014 visit to Bethlehem , be converted into a mobile medical clinic dedicated to treating children in Gaza. His request was confirmed by Vatican News .
The vehicle will be retrofitted as a mobile health center to provide examinations and treatment for children in areas lacking proper healthcare facilities.
"Use My Car"
This humanitarian initiative was launched by Peter Brune , Secretary-General of Caritas Sweden , in collaboration with Anton Asfar from Jerusalem .
The idea received direct approval from Pope Francis before his passing. According to Reuters , he stated, "Of course, use my car if it will benefit Gaza’s children."
In a press release, Peter Brune wrote, "This vehicle will allow us to reach children who currently lack access to healthcare—children who are injured and suffering from malnutrition."
He added, "This is a tangible effort to save lives at a time when Gaza’s healthcare system has nearly collapsed. It sends a message that the world has not forgotten Gaza's children, urging others to remember them too."
The Caritas organization plans to deploy the clinic in areas without functioning healthcare facilities once humanitarian access to Gaza becomes feasible.
A Symbol of Papal Visits
The vehicle, which became a symbol of Pope Francis’ visit to Bethlehem , will be modified and equipped with comprehensive medical supplies, rapid infection detection tests, vaccines, diagnostic tools, and wound treatment equipment. Additionally, it will be partially reinforced with protective plastic layers to shield it from shrapnel, considering the security risks in Gaza.
While Pope Francis had several papal vehicles, the one used during his 2014 visit to Israel and Palestinian territories remained in the region after he returned to the Vatican.
During his 12-year papacy , Pope Francis was an outspoken advocate for the Palestinian people and their rights, continuing to call for an end to the war on Gaza until his final moments.