We remember Pope Francis with great sadness, at the end of his journey on earth, and we already miss him very much! He was the strongest support and inspiration for our work with convicts, with his interest in them and the love he gave them. He regularly went to many prisons, especially on Holy Thursdays. He ritually washed the prisoners’ feet according to the Easter tradition, following the example of Christ. It is such a powerful symbol that there is no need to answer the questions we otherwise receive: “Why do you devote yourself to these people? Do they deserve it?” Francis did not explain anything, but knelt down and washed the feet of criminals, wiped them and kissed them. There is no more powerful image than seeing him on his knees at the feet of convicted people.
This Easter, three days before his death, when he no longer had the strength to wash their feet, he stopped at the Regina Coeli prison to bless the convicts. He offered them words of encouragement and presented each with a rosary and a pocket gospel. He was already running low on energy, but he made it to the prison. There is much more to remember about him, but for us, the greatest source of inspiration is Francis’s focus on prisoners. We thank him immensely for this legacy!
Recommended Reading
- In 2020, 14 Stations of the Cross texts were written at the invitation of Pope Francis by fourteen people, including convicts, victims of crime, families of prisoners, prison staff and others.
Author: Gabriela Kabátová
Photo source: Vatican Media