On his second day in Chile, Pope Francis visited the San Joaquin women's prison. Upon arriving, he greeted various inmates and their children.
In the prison's gymnasium, some 400 inmates awaited the Holy Father. He greeted them all. Many received him with their children in their arms, on whom the pope bestowed his blessing.
Nelly León, who is responsible for ministry in the prison, welcomed Pope Francis, calling him “father friend of the poor and justice.”
SR. NELLY
Ministry manager, San Joaquin prison
“Today, these women represent, along with you, the nearly 50,000 poor men and women, vulnerable and prisoners. I say poor, Holy Father, because here in Chile the poor are imprisoned. We all wanted to be here to welcome you.”
The president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet was in attendance, as well as Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
The pope heard the dramatic testimony of Janette Zurita, an inmate who explained the difficulty of being away from her children.
JANETH ZURITA
Inmate, San Joaquin prison
“Pope friend, I've witnessed many pains here in the prison. I've seen many peers crying after finding out their children were abused or one of them has been killed. That pain, Holy Father, is totally heartbreaking. Here we came to know the grace of God and we cling to Him day and night and entrust our children and family to Him. We live hoping in our hearts that this is only a period that will soon end.”
While Pope Francis listened closely, Janette made a request in the name of all inmate mothers.
JANETH ZURITA
Inmate, San Joaquin prison
“Pope, a very heartfelt request, intercede so the justice system changes its laws for mothers who are minors.”
They sang him a hymn they composed before the Holy Father gave his discourse.
Pope Francis explained to them that no one is free from sin, and everyone deserves to be forgiven. He asked them to fight for their futures and those of their children.
POPE FRANCIS
“Society has the obligation of reintegrating everyone. When I say reintegrate everyone, I mean reintegrate each one in her own personal path of reintegration. One with one path, another with another, one with more time, some others with less, but it's a person on the path toward reintegration. Put that in your heads and expect it.”
When the pope cited Jesus,“He who is without sin, cast the first stone,” all of the inmates responded.
POPE FRANCIS
“None of us is a thing. We are all people. As people, we have that element of hope. Let's not let ourselves be objectified. I am not number whatever, not prisoner so-and-so. Being deprived of freedom isn't the same as being deprived of dignity. It's not the same. No one touches dignity, it's taken care of.”
After the address, gifts were exchanged. The Holy Father presented the center with a marble image of Mary.
Before leaving, Pope Francis took a group photo with the prison guards. Then, he headed for the Cathedral of Santiago, where he will meet with priests and bishops.
