By Salvatore Cernuzio
As he has done every evening since Oct 9, two days after the bombings began in the Gaza Strip, Pope Francis called the Holy Family Parish at 7:00 p.m. sharp. This nightly routine, which he often mentions—most recently during this morning’s General Audience—is a way for the Pope to stay connected with the parish community where over 600 people are sheltered, both Christians and Muslims, within its church and school.
A small but powerful gesture
Although they last only a few minutes, provide a moment of warmth and connection. The Pope asks simple yet meaningful questions such as “How are you?” and “What did you eat?” He listens, gives his blessings, and greets the children and the elderly.
In Gaza, it is one hour ahead of the Vatican, and the video reveals the chill of the evening air. However, since the ceasefire began on Sunday, the oppressive atmosphere of fear and violence that had loomed for over 15 months has begun to lift. On January 15, the joy of the ceasefire turned the Pope’s call into a moment of celebration for the parish. While peace remains elusive, smiles and a sense of normalcy are slowly returning.
“Tonight, the entire community had chicken—chicken wings!” Father Yusuf shared during the call. Responding from his secretary Juan Cruz Villalón’s phone, the Pope was greeted with an enthusiastic, “Good evening, Holy Father!” The tone was filled with the excitement of someone speaking to the Pope for the first time, despite having spoken with him just the day before.
“Pray for peace”
At the end of today’s General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on his call to the Holy Family Parish, now cautiously resuming a normal rhythm of life: “They’re happy. They ate lentils… and we must pray for peace.”
A moment of joy
During the call, Pope Francis asked Father Yusuf, “How are you?” to which the priest replied, “I’m well, thank God.” The Pope then inquired, “What did you eat today?” “Chicken wings,” Father Yusuf said with a smile. Father Gabriel, standing nearby, joined the conversation: “It’s our beloved Pope!” he exclaimed, calling others to gather round.
Children, women, and men bundled in scarves and hats slowly approached the screen in the courtyard. The first to greet the Pope was a doctor, who said, “Salāmu ʿalaykum,” to which Pope Francis replied in Arabic. In the background, voices of women and children could be heard. Smiling, the Pope waved and playfully greeted the children, including Karima: “Bye-bye! Ciao!” He concluded by making the sign of the cross, saying, “Muchas gracias, grazie tante.”
A sign of hope
“They want to thank you, Holy Father. They pray for you because you always pray for them,” Father Yusuf told the Pope. Francis responded with a touch of humor, “Pray for good, not against!” prompting laughter and cheers. Concluding in Arabic, he said, “Shukran,” smiling warmly as he lingered a moment longer on the screen.
The exchange lasted less than five minutes, but it was deeply significant. For a community that has endured over a year of fear, cold, and hunger, the Pope’s nightly calls are a vital reminder that they are not forgotten. Using modern technology, 88-year-old Pope Francis continues to embody the “closeness” he describes as one of God’s defining attributes, alongside compassion, tenderness, and hope. Above all, he renews his call for a just and lasting peace. – Vatican News
