Pope Francis' vehicle converted into a mobile clinic for children in Gaza

The vehicle used by Pope Francis during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014 has been converted into a mobile health clinic for children in Gaza. The project by the Catholic organisation Caritas received Francis' blessing before his death in April and was unveiled at a ceremony in Bethlehem on Tuesday.

The converted Mitsubishi pick-up truck, a gift from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has a newly-built enclosed section at the spot where the Pope stood while driving through the city. The clinic has the capacity to treat about 200 children a day. Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm said the vehicle was proof that "the world has not forgotten the children of Gaza".

However, it is not yet clear when it will reach the Gaza Strip. Although there is a formal ceasefire in the area, Israeli airstrikes continue. COGAT, which coordinates the entry of humanitarian aid, declined to comment on the plans. Caritas officials hope to get the vehicle to Gaza "soon".

UNICEF reported last week that at least 67 children have been killed since the ceasefire was declared. Pope Francis has repeatedly warned of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, condemned the Hamas assault and has spoken daily by telephone to the local Christian community during the war.

(reuters, lud)