Popemobile child clinic yet to reach Gaza one year after Francis's death
Summary
One year after Pope Francis’s death, his wish to send a mobile child clinic converted from his popemobile to Gaza has not yet been fulfilled. The vehicle remains in Bethlehem, and authorities are still processing permits to allow it into the Gaza Strip for humanitarian use.Key Facts
- The popemobile was converted into a mobile clinic equipped for trauma care and vaccinations, capable of treating up to 200 children daily.
- The vehicle is currently kept in a glass case outside a church-owned ice-cream shop in Bethlehem, in the West Bank.
- Caritas Jerusalem, the Catholic charity behind the project called “Vehicle of Hope,” planned to send the clinic to Gaza but faced obstacles from Israeli security regulations.
- In December, Israeli authorities ordered 37 foreign NGOs, including Caritas Jerusalem, to stop work due to new security and transparency rules.
- The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem argued successfully that Caritas Jerusalem has a special legal status exempting it from these regulations.
- Caritas said it is in talks with Israeli authorities, and the permit for the clinic’s entry is currently being processed through the Church.
- The Israeli defense body controlling Gaza crossings stated it had arranged for other clinics to enter Gaza and would consider requests for additional vehicles through proper channels.
- Cardinal Anders Arborelius expressed hope that permission would soon be granted, emphasizing the project’s humanitarian and non-political nature.
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