Pope Francis spent a holy Thursday visiting employment time in a Roman prison.
Despite recovering from a pneumonia match, Francis met dozens of prisoners at Regina Koeli Prison, and he continued his Easter season appointments among the underprivileged.
Francis offered words of encouragement, and the talented prisoners provided with a rosary and pocket-sized gospel. Vatican News.
“I’ve always loved coming to prison on Holy Thursday to wash my feet like Jesus,” the Pope said. “This year, I can’t do that, but I want to be close to you. I pray for you and your family.”
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Pope Francis speaks to journalists when he leaves at the end of his visit to Rome’s Regina Coeli prison on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Andrew Medicini)
Francis’ visit lasted about 30 minutes.
“Every time I enter a place like this, I ask myself: Why not them and not them?” Francis told a journalist outside the prison.
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Pope Francis visited the Roman prison on April 17, 2025. (Andrew Medicini)
The fact that the 88-year-old Pope continued his appointment was a clear indication of the importance he placed in prison ministry, to facilitate it under the orders of doctors and avoid crowds, and the need for priests to serve those most in the margins. It is even more true during the Holy Year of 2025, opening and closing with a special Pope event for prison prisoners.
Francis is expected to at least play other Easter Time appearances over the coming days, even if the Cardinals will host him during the busy Holy Week event.
Security details will be escorted by Pope Francis when he visits a Roman prison on Holy Thursday. (Andrew Medicini)
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On Sunday, Francis wanted a “happy palm and happy Holy Week” to the faithful people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, following the conclusion of the masses, where Cardinal Leonardo Sandrial had been lordly did for him. It was his first public appearance since being released from hospital. There, he was not receiving oxygen through a small hose under his nose.
Fox News Courtney Walsh and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
