April 22, 2025, 7:57 a.m. ET – As Pope Francis' health declined in his last months, he continued to reach out to hundreds of Palestinian Christians sheltering in the only Roman Catholic church in Gaza, keeping up a nearly nightly ritual that brought comfort during turbulent times. The Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, the priest at Holy Family Church in Gaza City, received these calls often, a gesture of deep empathy from the pontiff toward a community enduring immense suffering.

Despite being the spiritual leader for over a billion Catholics, Pope Francis made this unique connection with a small enclave of Christians as he consistently advocated for a cease-fire in Gaza. The brief but meaningful video calls reassured the community, allowing them to voice their struggles and seek blessings from the pontiff.

“People would gather, even the young or teenagers, to see him,” said Father Romanelli, emphasizing how these interactions became a source of hope amidst fear and despair. The evenings turned into a time of solace dubbed “the pope’s time,” symbolizing a lifeline from the pontiff to those enduring the challenges of life in a war-torn locale.

As the community continues to mourn his loss, the legacy of Pope Francis’ compassion remains etched in their hearts and lives, inspiring hope in the face of adversity.