Palestinian pastor Munther Isaac says Pope 'renewed sense of hope' among Palestinians

Palestinian pastor Munther Isaac mourned the death of Pope Francis on Monday morning, saying Palestinians, and Palestinian Christians in particular, had lost a "dear friend" who was "beloved in Palestine."

"He conveyed true compassion to Palestinians, most notably to those in Gaza during this genocide. His pastoral heart was evident in his insistence on calling the Christian community besieged in Gaza on a constant basis, even from his hospital," he said.

Recounting Pope's visit to Israel's separation wall in Bethlehem, Isaac said: "The Pope left, and the occupation and the wall remained."

"But we were left with a renewed sense of hope—knowing that we are not forgotten," he said.

Palestinian, and Palestinian Christians in particular, have lost a dear friend today. Pope Francis was beloved in Palestine. He conveyed true compassion to Palestinians, most notably to those in Gaza during this genocide. His pastoral heart was evident in his insistence on… pic.twitter.com/wDvgExuEhR

— Munther Isaac منذر اسحق (@MuntherIsaac) April 21, 2025