Popemobile used by Francis in Bethlehem refitted as mobile clinic for Gaza kids
Late pope blessed project to repurpose the Mitsubishi pickup truck he used during his 2014 West Bank visit; Israel says it hasn't received a request for vehicle to enter Strip
The Catholic aid organization Caritas Internationalis unveiled in Bethlehem Tuesday the “Vehicle of Hope” — a “popemobile” used by the late pope Francis, refitted as a mobile pediatric clinic for wounded children in Gaza.
“It is my hope that this vehicle will continue to bring healing and compassion to children in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza,” Pope Leo XIV wrote in a letter. “Its new mission reflects the love and solidarity embodied in Pope Francis’s legacy.”
The Mitsubishi’s chassis was reinforced to drive on damaged roads, along with upgraded suspension and high-resistance tires, said Caritas.
“Inside, the clinic provides a medical workspace, including a triage and examination area equipped for trauma stabilization, post-amputation care and emergency pediatric treatment,” according to the nonprofit.
“Refrigeration units, compliant with WHO’s vaccine-storage standards, allow safe transport of insulin, vaccines and pediatric antibiotics. The vehicle’s independent power system, supported by a backup battery bank, enables 6–8 hours of off-grid operation.”
Israel said it has received no request for the vehicle to enter Gaza, however. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories told The Times of Israel: “When we receive a request, we will evaluate it.”
Francis personally approved the project before his death.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas donated the Mitsubishi for the pope’s use during his 2014 visit, after which it was given to the Franciscan order.
The order passed it along to the Jerusalem branch of Caritas, which came up with the idea for it to be used by a medical team.
A ceasefire still formally holds in Gaza, though there have been frequent attacks on IDF troops in the Israel-controlled areas, and regular Israeli airstrikes on Hamas targets in response.
Francis frequently spoke out about the war in Gaza and in January called the humanitarian situation there “shameful.” He also called for the release of the hostages taken by Palestinian terror groups, met their relatives and condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that ignited the war.
He was also known to speak by phone with Gaza’s small Christian community every evening during the war.
“We know how much Pope Francis loved the people of the Holy Land, the people of Bethlehem and especially the people of Gaza,” said Father Faltas, representative of the Franciscan Friars to the State of Palestine.