Pope Francis' Popemobile transformed into a mobile children's clinic for Gaza

(Patria) - The Popemobile that the late Pope Francis used during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014 reappeared on Tuesday as a mobile children's clinic to be deployed in Gaza, AFP reported.

The vehicle still unmistakably looks like a Popemobile, immaculately white inside and out, with the familiar raised canopy.

But instead of transporting the religious leader of the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics, renamed the "Vehicle of Hope" it is now ready for service in the war-torn Gaza Strip, in accordance with the late Pope's wishes.

It was unveiled in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, around the corner from the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square, where preparations for Christmas are in full swing.

"The Vehicle of Hope is ready for its new mission," said Cardinal Anders Arborelius, Bishop of Stockholm, at a press conference, after blessing the vehicle.

"We want every child we reach to feel seen, heard, and protected. The rights and well-being of the child are paramount. This vehicle serves as a testament – the world has not forgotten the children of Gaza. This is not just a vehicle, it is a message of compassion, dignity, and hope."

Equipped with medical staff, the Popemobile is intended for triage and is equipped for examination, diagnosis, and treatment, including vaccinations, stitches, and infection tests. The clinic should be able to perform up to 200 consultations per day. Children will sit in the Pope's chair while being cared for.

The Pope's Last Wish

In May 2014, Francis visited Amman, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem, during his second international visit as Pope. The Popemobile was used as he toured Bethlehem, greeting crowds in Manger Square.

A gift from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the converted Mitsubishi was later donated to the Franciscan friars.

Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88, and his last wish for the children of Gaza was for the Popemobile to become a mobile health unit, Vatican News official portal reported in May.

The vehicle was transformed by Caritas, a Catholic humanitarian organization. It cost $15,000, and Palestinian mechanics repurposed and beautified it. The open sides have been protected.

"The children of Gaza were very close to Pope Francis' heart," said Peter Brune, Secretary General of the Swedish branch of Caritas.

"They will sit in the Pope's chair and be treated as the most valuable person on Earth."

However, there is still no date for when it might receive Israeli permission to enter Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10 after two years of war that devastated healthcare in the Palestinian territory.

"As with all humanitarian aid, we urgently need access to Gaza," Caritas Secretary General Alistair Dutton told AFP.

"We are working through official channels to get this announced as soon as possible."