His Holiness Pope Francis visits prison inmates on Holy Thursday
His Holiness Pope Francis visits Rome’s Regina Coeli prison on the afternoon of Thursday, marking a return to the historic penitentiary where he celebrated the Holy Thursday liturgy in 2018.
By Vatican News
Pope Francis marked Holy Thursday with a visit to Rome’s Regina Coeli prison, continuing a tradition he has observed since the beginning of his pontificate: drawing close to those living behind bars. While unable this year to celebrate the liturgy of the Lord’s Supper and the Washing of the Feet, the Pope greeted inmates personally, offered them words of encouragement, and gifted each of them with a Rosary and a pocket-sized Gospel.
"I have always liked coming to prison on Holy Thursday to do the washing of the feet like Jesus," the Pope told those gathered. "This year, I cannot do it, but I want to be close to you. I pray for you and your families."
Approximately 70 detainees of different ages and nationalities welcomed the Holy Father in the central rotunda of the historic prison, located in Rome’s Trastevere district. He was met with cheers and chants from those gathered inside, as well as from inmates watching from the upper windows. Shouts such as “Freedom!”, “Pray for us!”, “Pray for Palestine” and “We are with you!” echoed through the courtyard. Pope Francis responded with simple gestures—raising his hand in greeting and offering a thumbs-up—before addressing them from the car: “Pray for me,” he said…
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