ROME — The Vatican has launched a series of “Made in Prison” tote bags for pilgrims to carry around Rome to celebrate the upcoming Jubilee Year of 2025.
The official Jubilee bag was made from recycled materials by women's prison inmates and symbolizes “hope, forgiveness and restoration, which are at the heart of the Jubilee,” Vatican News said. reported.
The prisoners involved are participants in a vocational training course aimed at restoring women's dignity and helping them prepare for work and reintegration into society.
The course provides women with the opportunity to acquire technical and professional skills, allows them to work, earn a regular salary, and, “most importantly, rebuild their consciousness and self-esteem.” ”, the Vatican said.
The bags themselves each carry a 'Made in Prison' tag and will be sold at the official Jubilee information point in Rome, just outside the Vatican.
Using recycled materials also signifies a rehabilitation process that gives reformed inmates a second chance at life.
The efforts are also intended to draw attention to social inclusion and environmental protection, central themes of Pope Francis' pontificate.
The day after Christmas, Pope Francis will open the “Holy Doors” at Rome's Revivia Prison as part of the start of the Year of Jubilee. Last March, the Pope visited On Maundy Thursday, the feet of 12 female prisoners were washed at Revivia Prison, commemorating the act of Christ washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper.
