Prisoners Archives

Pope offers pat-on-the-back for Ukrainian, Russian prisoner exchange

Vatican
Sep 15, 2019

On Sunday Pope Francis gave a shout-out to Ukraine and Russia for the recent exchange of 70 prisoners, voicing not only his happiness for those set free, but his hope that the gesture would help bring an end to the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Texas prison ministries bring grace, sacraments behind bars

Catholic News Service, Church in the US
Sep 1, 2019

A longtime effort of Kolbe Prison Ministries and Texas diocesan correction ministries, Kolbe prison retreats, named for the Polish martyr, offer incarcerated men and women the chance to experience God’s redemptive grace and mercy with a weekend featuring the sacraments, small-group sharing and more, organizers said.

Pope demands respect for Geneva Conventions as anniversary looms

Vatican
Aug 11, 2019

Often an outspoken champion for the protection of the most vulnerable, Pope Francis on Sunday issued an appeal for the international community to adhere to legal limitations for times of war outlined in the Geneva Conventions, the 70th anniversary of which will take place Monday.

Be servants to one another, pope tells prisoners before washing feet

Catholic News Service, Vatican
Apr 18, 2019

Jesus’ gesture of washing his disciples’ feet, an act once reserved to servants and slaves, is one that all Christians, especially bishops, must imitate, Pope Francis told hundreds of inmates and prison employees on Holy Thursday.

Pope to celebrate Holy Thursday with prisoners

Catholic News Service, Vatican
Apr 3, 2019

Pope Francis will celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper with prisoners in Velletri, about 36 miles south of Rome.

Pope tells prison staff they must help inmates find hope

Catholic News Service, Vatican
Feb 7, 2019

A prison sentence without hope serves no purpose other than to stir feelings of revenge and anger in inmates who are looking for a second chance in life, Pope Francis said.