The popemobile is set to serve as a Gaza children’s health clinic in a final wish from the late Pope Francis, according to Vatican News.
Vatican News reported Monday that the conversion of the late pontiff’s popemobile was a final request from Francis for Gaza residents, who have faced dire conditions and mass death amid Israel’s military strikes on the territory.
Francis, who was known for his human rights advocacy, died late last month in the wake of a long series of health complications.
The Associated Press reported late last month that Gaza’s only Catholic church would receive frequent calls from Francis in the last year and a half of his life. During the calls, he would check in about the well-being of those in the church, according to the outlet.
According to Vatican News, medical equipment like rapid tests for infections and vaccines is being added to Francis’s popemobile, which doctors and medics will staff.
Last year, Francis pushed for a ceasefire in Gaza and the “prompt” release of every Israeli hostage during a traditional Easter message.
“My thoughts go especially to the victims of the many conflicts worldwide, beginning with those in Israel and Palestine, and in Ukraine. May the risen Christ open a path of peace for the war-torn peoples of those regions. In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, all for the sake of all,” Francis said at the time.
