As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, tears fall in Gaza not just for a religious leader—but for a friend, a comforter, and a rare global voice that never forgot Palestine.

For Palestinian Christians trapped in the heart of war-torn Gaza, the Pope's death feels deeply personal. Over the past 18 months of relentless bombardment and suffering, Pope Francis became a lifeline of faith and solidarity, regularly sending messages of hope, prayer, and resistance against genocide.

“We Lost a Friend of Palestine”

“The Palestinians have lost a special friend today. Pope Francis was beloved in Palestine,” wrote Munther Isaac, a prominent Palestinian Christian theologian. In a tribute filled with grief and gratitude, Isaac recalled how even during his own health crises, the Pope never stopped reaching out to Gaza’s besieged Christian community.

From his hospital bed, Pope Francis would make calls to war-torn Gaza, expressing solidarity and reminding them that they were not forgotten, even as walls closed in and the bombs fell.

“He Told Us to Pray and Fight Injustice”

Despite the ruins surrounding them, the Pope’s words inspired resilience. “The Pope left us, but his spirit remains. He told us to pray and to fight injustice,” said Isaac. His messages were more than spiritual—they were calls to endure, resist, and hold onto dignity in the face of despair.

Gaza's Christians Remember a Shepherd

For Christians like Ilyas al-Sayegh from al-Zaytoun, the Pope’s televised addresses became sacred moments. “I used to wait to hear his words. He gave us hope,” he told AFP.

Now, even in grief, there is gratitude—for the Pope who stood with them when the world turned its back.

“He prayed for peace. His prayers are still with us,” said Sayegh.