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23-04-2025
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Pope Francis’ Final Acts Amid Gaza War

Date: 23-04-2025
Sources: cbsnews.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 2
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Source: cbsnews.com

Image content: The image shows a funeral or lying-in-state ceremony inside a chapel. A casket holding a robed religious figure is displayed on a platform, flanked by Swiss Guard-style honor guards, while clergy in ceremonial vestments stand nearby in prayer. Candles, an altar, and religious symbols are visible in the background.

Summary

In his final days, Pope Francis intensified his advocacy for peace and compassion, culminating in a last public appearance on Easter Sunday where, despite serious illness, he condemned marginalization of the vulnerable and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages, and peace in Ukraine. Parallel to these public appeals, he maintained nightly phone calls for 18 months with Gaza’s Holy Family Church, offering spiritual support and solidarity to the besieged Christian community and those sheltering with them. His steadfast outreach—viewed as emblematic of his pastoral commitment to marginalized groups—left a lasting sense of hope and unity among Gaza’s Christians and reflected his determination to serve until the very end.

Key Points

  • Pope Francis delivered a final Easter message urging ceasefire in Gaza and peace in Ukraine.
  • Despite severe illness, he made a last public appearance and continued pastoral duties.
  • He called Gaza’s only Catholic church nightly for 18 months, offering comfort and prayers.
  • Gaza’s Christians credit his support with sustaining their resolve amid war and loss.
  • His death prompted reflections on his compassion and advocacy for marginalized communities.

Articles in this Cluster

Watch Pope Francis' final public appearance on Easter Sunday, a day before his death - CBS News

23-04-2025

On Easter Sunday, the day before his death, Pope Francis made a final public appearance at St. Peter’s Square, delivering his message via an aide condemning policies that marginalize the vulnerable and migrants. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages, and peace in Ukraine, then greeted the crowd with “Happy Easter!” Riding in the popemobile without oxygen tubes, he blessed babies despite recent hospitalization for severe pneumonia and doctors’ orders to rest. He had been gradually resuming activities, including a Holy Thursday prison visit, and briefly met U.S. Vice President JD Vance. An aide said Francis insisted on working because he wanted “to die on the battlefield.”
Entities: Pope Francis, St. Peter’s Square, Gaza ceasefire, Israeli hostages, Ukraine • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: somber • Intent: inform

Gaza’s only Catholic Church reflects on its special bond with Pope Francis | CNNClose icon

23-04-2025

CNN reports that for the last 18 months of his life, Pope Francis called Gaza’s only Catholic church nightly during the war, forging a close bond with its priests and community. In interviews, the church’s clergy describe how his regular check-ins offered spiritual support, solidarity, and comfort amid conflict. The segment also places the outreach in the context of Francis’ broader pastoral approach and reactions to his death, highlighting his compassion for marginalized groups and his role as a unifying figure during crisis.
Entities: Pope Francis, Gaza’s only Catholic church, CNN, priests and clergy, Gaza war • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform

The pope called them every night until his final hours. Now, Gaza’s Christians cling to the hope he left behind | CNNClose icon

23-04-2025

CNN reports that Pope Francis phoned Gaza’s Holy Family Church every evening for 18 months during the war, offering prayers, comfort, and calls for peace until his final day. His daily check-ins reassured Gaza’s tiny Christian community—fewer than 1,400 people—many sheltering at the church alongside some Muslim families amid Israeli bombardments that killed about 20 Christians. Though he never visited Gaza, Francis’ consistent attention and public appeals for a ceasefire, hostage releases, and humanitarian aid sustained a fragile community’s resolve to stay. After his death, Gaza’s Christians say they mourn his loss but hold on to the hope and solidarity he embodied.
Entities: Pope Francis, Gaza’s Holy Family Church, Gaza’s Christian community, CNN, Gaza • Tone: emotional • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform