Not all the employees of Rome's Regina Coeli prison were able to attend the pope's Holy Thursday ceremony in 2018. Pope Francis had washed the feet of several prisoners and left them with a message. Thursday they heard from him again in Paul VI Audience Hall.
“You told us to always be people of hope. In a prison with both prisoners and employees: to be all people of hope.”
The prison's chaplain and the director explained all the difficulties they are confronted with in working with prisoners. Pope Francis encouraged them not to lose hope, even in the most challenging moments.
POPE FRANCIS
“It is a place where everyone: security, chaplains, teachers and volunteers are called to the difficult task of healing the wounds of those, who by their mistakes, have lost their personal freedom.” “No one can condemn another for their mistakes.”
In total 600 workers, including prison security, doctors, teachers and volunteers attended this meeting with the pope. Pope Francis asked the employees not to lose hope as the service they provide to prisoners may help them to reintegrate back into society.
