Pope Francis’ former vehicle was adapted to provide healthcare to Palestinian children, becoming a symbol of solidarity in times of conflict.
The vehicle that transported the during a visit to Belém, in the West Bank, more than a decade ago, he was officially presented this week with a new mission. The old Popemobile, a Mitsubishi given at the time by the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, was converted into a mobile clinic equipped to provide healthcare to children in Gaza.
The platform where the Pope presented himself to the faithful in 2014 was completely closed and transformed into a small pediatric care unit. The adaptation was carried out under the coordination of Cáritas Sweden, a Catholic organization in charge of the mission at the express wish of Francis, who gave his blessing to the project in April, .
In statements to Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm stressed: “This vehicle is a testimony that the world has not forgotten the children of Gaza”and adds that the symbolism associated with the Popemobile reinforces the message of closeness and protection.
Capacity for 200 children per day
Cáritas confirms that the mobile clinic is fully equipped and ready to operate. According to Peter Brune, general secretary of Caritas Sweden, the unit will be able to serve around 200 children per day, offering basic consultations, vaccinations and primary health care.
“It’s a vehicle of hope,” he said. “The children of Gaza need signs that the world has not abandoned them. They have the right to health and protection, and we adults have a responsibility to ensure that.”
Father Ibrahim Faltas, representative of the Franciscans in the State of Palestine, recalled the Pope’s desire: to concretely support the most vulnerable. “We know how much and, in particular, the children of Gaza. This vehicle is ready. We hope to be able to send him to Gaza very soon.”
Entry date still unknown
Despite being remodeled and prepared to enter into service, the popemobile transformed into a mobile clinic continues to wait for authorization to enter the territory. The ceasefire remains formally in force, but Israeli air strikes continue, complicating the entry of aid. COGAT, the Israeli agency responsible for coordinating humanitarian assistance, did not comment on the request.
Meanwhile, the transformed popemobile has been officially presented and awaits the moment when it can fulfill the humanitarian mission that the Pope himself Papa Francisco wished: bring medical care to children living under conflict and destruction.
