The iconic popemobile of the late Pope Francis is being repurposed into a mobile health clinic to serve children in Gaza, in a heartfelt initiative that fulfills one of the Pope’s final wishes before his death.
Amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza—where nearly one million children are displaced and face severe health risks due to ongoing conflict—the mobile clinic aims to deliver essential medical care to some of the most vulnerable. The region’s healthcare system has nearly collapsed, severely limiting access to basic medical services.
The Vatican announced that the modified popemobile will be equipped with vital medical supplies, including diagnostic tools, vaccines, treatment kits, and life-saving medications. A dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and medics will staff the vehicle, which will focus on treating malnourished children, providing immunizations, and delivering emergency care in conflict zones. The vehicle will also include a pediatric care unit for ongoing treatment and support.
Caritas Jerusalem, a humanitarian organization with a longstanding presence in Gaza, is spearheading the project. Working in close collaboration with local health authorities and international partners, the organization aims to ensure the mobile clinic reaches even the most remote and underserved communities once humanitarian access is restored.
“This mobile clinic will be a lifeline for many children in Gaza,” said Peter Brune, Secretary General of Caritas Sweden. “It will provide vital medical assistance to children who currently have no access to healthcare in a region where infrastructure has been decimated by conflict.”
The transformation of the popemobile into a medical unit is seen as a powerful symbol of Pope Francis’ enduring commitment to peace, compassion, and care for the marginalized. The initiative offers a beacon of hope and a tangible legacy of the late Pope’s deep concern for those suffering in war-torn regions.