"Through his bold diplomacy with Cuba, compassionate stance on migration, nuanced approach to homosexuality and unwavering solidarity with Gaza, Francis embodied a Catholicism rooted in mercy, justice and the dignity of every person.

Pope Francis had a nightly ritual for the last 18 months of his life; calling Gaza’s only Catholic Church throughout the war. CNN’s Jeremy Diamond spoke to the church’s priests about their special bond with the pope.

Pope Francis called to check in on a Christian congregation in Gaza sheltering at their church almost every night since the Gaza war began. "Today we feel like we are orphans," a spokesperson says.