Pope Francis Maintains Communication with Gaza Parish Amid Hospitalization

Vatican City: Pope Francis has continued to call the Holy Family Parish in Gaza since being admitted to hospital with bronchitis on Friday, a manager with the Catholic community in the enclave told Tgcom24 on Monday. The Argentine pontiff has maintained this communication despite his health challenges to offer support amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

According to Ansa News Agency, Pope Francis has been in regular contact with Holy Family parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli and his deputy, Father Yusuf Asad, over the past few months. His calls are a gesture of solidarity and comfort to the parish community during these turbulent times.

The manager relayed that the Pope called on both Friday and Saturday. Although his voice sounded a bit tired, he was reportedly in good spirits and inquired about the well-being of the parish members. An aide assisted the Pope with the phone, enabling him to speak directly to the priests. However, the manager noted that Pope Francis took a rest on Sunday and did not make a call that day.