Vatican City – Pope Leo XIV sharply criticized overcrowded prisons and weak inmate rehabilitation programs,
during a special mass he presided over for detainees, prison guards and their families.
This is at the conclusion of the Holy Year (Jubilee 2025) events in the Vatican.
The Vatican reported that approximately 6,000 people participated in the week-long event.
Among them are representatives from major detention institutions in Italy and prison volunteers.
Guards and chaplains working in detention facilities come from more than 90 countries.
Limited groups of inmates also participated after obtaining special permits,
according to the Association of Prison Priests in Italy.
Pope: Prison inmates face harsh conditions
In his sermon, Pope Leo acknowledged the harsh conditions often faced
by prison inmates, even in wealthier countries.
He stressed the importance of promoting a culture of tolerance and forgiveness,
both towards inmates and those working in prison administrations.
The Pope said: “On a personal level, we must not forget the weight
of the past and the wounds that need healing in body and heart,
Disappointments, and the endless patience required with oneself
and with others when embarking on paths of transformation.”
This Mass is the last of the major events within the Jubilee 2025,
which was opened by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve in 2024.
His main aim was to deliver a message of hope to marginalized
groups in society, especially prison inmates.
