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Catholics across the globe are currently in a state of grief following the passing of Pope Francis. Among those particularly affected is Holy Family Church in Gaza, which shared a unique bond with the late pontiff. Since the onset of conflict in Gaza, Pope Francis had established a practice of reaching out to the church almost daily.
On Christmas Eve in 2024, this connection was vividly illustrated when Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, participated in a video conference call with Pope Francis. During this virtual interaction, the Pope extended his blessings to the congregation gathered in the Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City, reinforcing his commitment to the community even amidst turmoil.
The relationship between Pope Francis and Holy Family Church symbolizes not just a personal connection, but also highlights the larger context of faith amidst conflict. As the church continues to serve its community, the memory of the Pope’s support will likely resonate deeply with the parishioners, reminding them of a powerful spiritual ally during challenging times.
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www.npr.org