Shafaqna English– A small Christian community in Gaza is mourning the death of Pope Francis.
Since the war in Gaza, Pope Francis had regularly called Gaza’s Christians, often several times a week, offering prayers, encouragement, and solidarity. Palestinians attend Mass held for Pope Francis at the Holy Family Church in Gaza.
“I always waited to hear the words of the Holy Father. I would watch him on television, and through the screens. He gave us hope with his messages and prayers,” said Elias Al-Sayegh, 49, from Zeitoun.
“We felt we were alive because of his prayers and blessings. Every day, he renewed our hope for an end to the war and the bloodshed. His prayers will remain with us for peace in the land of peace, Palestine.”
“With the pope’s passing, we in Gaza feel as though a light of love and peace has been extinguished,” said 67-year-old George Ayad from Al-Sahaba.
“Amid the pain and suffocating blockade we endured, we clung to his words as a beacon of hope. The pope never forgot Gaza in his prayers – and today, we offer ours for his soul.”