Pope Francis Visits Regina Coeli Prison on Holy Thursday, Offers Words of Hope

VATICAN, 18 April 2025— Pope Francis marked Holy Thursday with a visit to Regina Coeli prison, continuing his long-standing tradition of drawing near to those behind bars. Although unable to celebrate the liturgy of the Lord’s Supper or perform the Washing of the Feet, he personally greeted inmates, offered words of encouragement, and gifted each one with a Rosary and a pocket-sized Gospel.

“I have always liked coming to prison on Holy Thursday to do the washing of the feet like Jesus,” the Pope told those gathered in the central rotunda. “This year, I cannot do it, but I want to be close to you. I pray for you and your families.”

Around 70 detainees of various ages and nationalities welcomed the Pope with cheers and chants, including calls from upper windows. “Freedom!”, “Pray for us!”, “Pray for Palestine!”, and “We are with you!” echoed through the courtyard. The Pope responded with a wave and a thumbs-up, later calling out from his car, “Pray for me.”

Inside, the Holy Father spent about 30 minutes meeting inmates and staff. Many wore wooden Rosaries and held prayer booklets or Gospels. One man asked for an extra copy to give to his sister. Several knelt, kissed his hand, or touched him briefly.

An inmate named Ferdinando gave the Pope a handwritten note: “May the light of the Lord illuminate my life and that of my family. Thank you, Pope, for your presence.” The Pope paused to ask about his family and promised prayers.

Another young man, Matteo, 26, asked the Pope to sign his Gospel. He briefly shared his story, saying he was imprisoned after defending his partner during an assault, and claimed the situation was misunderstood.

Some inmates recalled writing to the Pope after his December visit to Rome’s Rebibbia prison, asking him to visit Regina Coeli. “We prayed, and he really came,” one said.

Speaking to journalists outside, the Pope reflected: “Every time I enter a place like this, I ask myself: why them and not me?” When asked how he planned to spend Easter, he simply said, “As I can.”

Courtesy: Vatican News