The ex-Popemobile is now known as the "Vehicle of Hope."
"Yesterday morning marked a truly historic moment for Caritas Jerusalem. Right in front of the Nativity Church in Bethlehem, we proudly launched the Vehicle of Hope, a former Popemobile transformed into a fully equipped mobile medical clinic that will soon serve the most vulnerable communities of the Holy Land," said a post on Caritas Jerusalem's Facebook page.
The Popemobile was used by Pope Francis during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014. It was refitted with medical equipment and given to Caritas Jerusalem, the Holy Land branch of the Catholic humanitarian agency Caritas Internationalis.
The Popemobile-turned-clinic is a "symbol of compassion, innovation, and the shared commitment of the global Caritas family," said Caritas Jerusalem.
Cameras captured every moment — the blessing, the unveiling, the messages of solidarity — as this unique vehicle begins its new mission: bringing healthcare directly to families in remote and underserved areas.
"The Vehicle of Hope is more than a clinic on wheels; it is a promise of presence, healing, and dignity," said the statement.
Vehicle of Hope blocked in June
Earlier in 2025, it looked as though the arrival of the Vehicle of Hope would be delayed indefinitely due to the Gaza War and strict controls at the Israeli border.
“We are still working in coordination with government agencies to ensure the Popemobile enters Gaza. But the borders remain closed, and in my opinion, it will not be possible in the near future,” Harout Bedrossian, press officer for Caritas Jerusalem, said at the time.
The situation at the time was "very chaotic," said Bedrossian, and the aid permitted to enter Gaza was controlled by the military.