• Pope Francis, a prominent advocate for Palestinian rights, died at age 88.
• His final public address called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
• Pope Francis maintained a supportive relationship with the Christian community in Gaza during the ongoing conflict.
• Hamas and Hezbollah praised his commitment to peace and justice for Palestinians.
• His death is seen as a significant loss for advocates of peace in the Middle East.

Pope Francis, who passionately advocated for Palestinian rights, died on Monday at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness. The Vatican confirmed his passing following an Easter Sunday address in which he called for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation affecting thousands of innocent lives. "I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages, and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace," he stated, thereby reinforcing his commitment to advocating for peace under increasingly difficult circumstances, according to TRT World, Middle East Eye, and Anadolu Agency.

His advocacy for the Palestinian people was evident throughout his papacy, especially during the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In his final address, he described the situation in Gaza as "deplorable" and repeatedly condemned the violence directed towards civilians, calling it "cruelty, not war." He urged the international community to respond to the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis, reinforcing the idea that "children were bombed" amidst the chaos, according to insights from Le Monde and Newsweek.

His compassion was felt particularly by the Catholic community in Gaza. For many parishioners, Pope Francis was a source of strength and comfort during times of violence. Daily phone calls from the pope offered reassurance, as he inquired about their safety and well-being, creating a bond that transcended mere religious affiliation. "He used to call us at 7 p.m. every night... It was the questions a father would ask," recounted George Anton, a member of the Holy Family Church in Gaza, reflecting the deep concern Francis maintained for their plight, reported by NPR and Al Jazeera.

The response to his death from groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah highlighted his impact on the Palestinian cause. Hamas expressed gratitude for his unequivocal condemnation of the war crimes committed in Gaza, noting that he "was one of the most prominent supporters of legitimate Palestinian rights." Similarly, Hezbollah praised his outspoken commitment to peace and interfaith dialogue, praising Francis for "working with faith to cultivate the values of love and tolerance," according to Newsweek and Al Jazeera.

Francis's legacy in promoting compassion, dignity, and peace was further emphasized during his lifetime, as he consistently called for humanitarian aid and respect for human rights across various conflicts globally, not just in Gaza. His untimely passing marks the loss of a powerful voice that advocated for the marginalized, both in the Middle East and around the world, according to reactions noted in multiple reports from Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, and Anadolu Agency.