Introduction to the New Pope and His Relevance
The minuscule Christian community in Gaza expressed joy over the election of a new leader for the Catholic Church on Thursday. The newly elected Cardinal Robert Prevost, a lesser-known Chicago missionary, took on the role of Pope Leon XIV, becoming the first American pope. This community hopes that he will prioritize Gaza’s peace, just as his predecessor, Pope Francis, did.
Pope Francis’ Advocacy for Peace in Gaza
Pope Francis, who advocated for peace in the war-ravaged enclave, contacted Gaza’s church hours after the conflict began in October 2023. Throughout the war, he maintained a nightly routine, as described by the Vatican News Service.
Christian Community’s Expectations from Pope Leon XIV
George Antone, 44, head of the emergency committee of Gaza’s Church of the Holy Family, stated to Reuters: “We are happy about the new pope’s election… We hope his heart remains with Gaza like Pope Francis’ and feels its pain as he did.”
The Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
The war in Gaza erupted when Hamas militants launched an attack against southern Israel, taking 251 people hostage and resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, according to Israeli counts.
Israel’s Response and Its Impact
In response, Israel initiated an aerial and ground assault on Gaza, leaving over 52,000 Palestinians dead, as reported by local health authorities under Hamas control. The enclave has been significantly damaged.
Hamas’ Statement on Pope Leon XIV
In a statement, Hamas congratulated Pope Leon XIV, expressing hope for his continuation of the late pope’s path in supporting the oppressed and rejecting genocide in Gaza.
The Christian Community in Gaza
The Church of the Holy Family in Gaza shelters 450 Christians, along with an elderly and children’s refuge that accommodates 30 Muslims. Antone mentioned that there are roughly 1,000 Christians in Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, mostly Greek Orthodox.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is the new pope? The new pope is Cardinal Robert Prevost, who took the name Leon XIV.
- What is the hope of the Christian community in Gaza? The Christians in Gaza hope that Pope Leon XIV will prioritize peace and support for the war-torn enclave, just as his predecessor, Pope Francis, did.
- What triggered the conflict in Gaza? The war began when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, taking 251 people hostage and causing approximately 1,200 deaths.
- What has been the impact of the conflict? The conflict has resulted in over 52,000 Palestinian deaths and significant damage to Gaza’s infrastructure.
- What is the size and composition of the Christian community in Gaza? Among Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, there are approximately 1,000 Christians, mostly Greek Orthodox. The Church of the Holy Family in Gaza accommodates 450 Christians and 30 Muslims.
