Papal Vehicle Transformed into Mobile Clinic for Palestinian Children

BETHLEHEM / West Bank / PNN / 

The Custody of the Holy Land, Caritas International and the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs launched the “Car of Hope” project on Friday, unveiling a symbolic initiative that transforms the vehicle used by the late Pope Francis during his historic visit to Bethlehem into a mobile medical clinic for Palestinian children in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem.

The repurposing of the papal vehicle is part of a humanitarian effort aimed at easing suffering and supporting the resilience of Palestinians amid the hardships caused by Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip.

The ceremony was attended by a number of religious and international figures, including Cardinal Anders Arborelius, Deputy Custos of the Holy Land Ibrahim Faltas, and Ramzi Khoury, head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, along with committee members Samir Hazboun, Jihad Khair and Khuloud Daibes. Also present were the president of Caritas Internationalis, Bethlehem Deputy Mayor Lucy Thaljieh, and many other community leaders.

The initiative was carried out by Caritas Jerusalem in accordance with the wishes of the recently deceased Pope Francis, who had requested that his Bethlehem vehicle be transformed into a project serving Palestinian children.

Organizers said the mobile clinic symbolizes hope and solidarity with the children of Gaza, reaffirming that the world “has not forgotten them,” and expressed hope that the vehicle will be permitted to enter the Gaza Strip soon to deliver urgent medical assistance.

The vehicle, originally a gift from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has been refitted with basic medical equipment for diagnosing and treating children. It will be operated by a physician and a driver, and is expected to serve around 200 children per day.

Cardinal Anders Arborelius praised the humanitarian initiative, saying that transforming the vehicle into a symbol of hope, care and compassion reflects shared values rooted in peace and service to humanity. He stressed the importance of international cooperation in supporting the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, where dire humanitarian conditions require coordinated church and humanitarian efforts.

Father Ibrahim Faltas, the deputy Custos of the Holy Land, thanked President Abbas for the gift, which has now become a symbol of generosity, humanity and peace. He expressed appreciation for the Palestinian government’s role in supporting humanitarian efforts and easing the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. Faltas said the “Car of Hope” represents tangible cooperation among Palestinian institutions and stands as evidence of the unity of the Palestinian people in all their diversity.

Dr. Ramzi Khoury also welcomed the initiative, noting that the vehicle—originally offered by President Abbas to the Franciscan friars for use by Pope Francis during his 2014 historic visit to Palestine—has now been transformed into a mobile clinic delivering essential healthcare to injured and vulnerable children. 

He said the project will help improve access to medical services inside the besieged Gaza Strip and reflects the deep shared message between the Church and the Palestinian people—a message of respect, cooperation and partnership in safeguarding the spiritual and historical value of this land that has illuminated the world.