The Vatican's humanitarian branch, Caritas, has announced the conversion of a papal vehicle into a mobile clinic to serve children in Gaza.

This vehicle, a Mitsubishi previously used by Pope Francis during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014, is being repurposed in response to the severe humanitarian crisis affecting the region, particularly children.

Caritas confirmed that the transformation is already underway.

The initiative was prompted by Cardinal Arborelius, who proposed that the vehicle should be utilized for a humanitarian cause.

Pope Francis approved this idea, emphasizing the need for medical care for vulnerable populations in Gaza, where nearly one million children are currently displaced and face a dire lack of essential services.

The mobile clinic is designed to provide basic healthcare, equipped with suture kits, syringes, oxygen, and vaccines stored in a mini-refrigerator.

It will be operated by a team of medical professionals and will include a designated driver.

Caritas has indicated that the clinic will be ready to operate as soon as humanitarian corridors into Gaza reopen.

Just days before his passing, Pope Francis addressed the tragic humanitarian circumstances in Gaza during an Easter message from the Vatican, calling for a ceasefire and urging the release of Israeli hostages.

His sentiments were echoed by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who recognized the late Pope as a staunch ally of the Palestinian cause, highlighting his history of support, including the Vatican's recognition of the Palestinian state and the raising of its flag on Vatican grounds.