Francis's 'popemobile' converted into clinic for children of Gaza
Before his death, Pope Francis donated one of his "popemobiles" to be converted into a children's clinic in war-torn Gaza, Catholic charity Caritas said on Monday.
The iconic open-sided vehicle, designed to allow the pontiff to greet crowds of well-wishers, has been transferred to Caritas Jerusalem and will head to Gaza if and when Israel opens a humanitarian corridor.
The car, a converted Mitsubishi, was used by the pope during a 2014 visit to Bethlehem and has been on display ever since, gathering dust and rust. It has now been repaired and refurbished as a mobile clinic.
"With the vehicle, we will be able to reach children who today have no access to healthcare - children who are injured and malnourished," said Peter Brune, secretary general of Caritas Sweden.
It will be fitted with medical equipment and a fridge for medicines and be assigned a driver and a team of doctors.
The State of Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the news, saying that Pope Francis was a true messenger of peace and justice "at a time when the world failed to protect the children of Gaza".
Pope Francis’ final gift : Pope Francis requests that his popemobile be turned into a health clinic for the #children of Gaza.
— State of Palestine - MFA 🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@pmofa) May 4, 2025
With his passing, humanity has lost an extraordinary man, and Palestine has lost a loyal friend and a steadfast supporter of our people's rights , and a… pic.twitter.com/1yHjx4hPJm