In a gesture of profound humility and pastoral commitment, Pope Francis, 88 years old, made a brief but significant visit to the Roman prison of Regina Coeli, in the traditional framework of Holy Thursday, despite the fact that he is still convalescing from respiratory problems.
The pontiff, who was recently discharged after 38 days in Gemelli Hospital for bilateral pneumonia, arrived at the prison shortly before 3:00 p.m. (local time), in a vehicle that brought him directly from the Vatican. The visit was not officially announced by the Vatican in advance, as it depended on his state of health at the time.
A commitment that goes beyond health
Although his mobility is reduced and he uses a wheelchair, the Pope insisted on maintaining this tradition that he began in 2013, shortly after assuming the papacy.
On this occasion, however, he was unable to perform the traditional rite of foot washing, a gesture that commemorates Jesus’ humility during the Last Supper, but he did take time to meet with a group of approximately 70 inmates.
He was received by the director of the penitentiary center, Claudia Clementi, as well as by prison officials and staff.
Sign of improvement?
According to reports from the official Vatican News, Francis did not use during the visit the nasal cannulas through which he usually receives oxygen, which was interpreted as a sign of improvement in his physical condition.
The Pope’s stay in jail was brief, about 20 minutes in total.
At 17:25 (local time), his vehicle left the prison, which is located in the Roman neighborhood of Trastevere, very close to the Vatican.
Despite its brevity, the gesture was deeply symbolic, as it reaffirms his closeness to people deprived of liberty and his constant call not to forget the marginalized.
An echoing message to the Hispanic community
Pope Francis made his annual visit to the Regina Coeli prison in Rome and met for almost half an hour with about 70 inmates. Due to his health condition, the pontiff was unable to wash their feet this Holy Thursday.
“Every time I walk into one of these places, I ask myself:… pic.twitter.com/ijMHhaQgsw
– NMás (@nmas) April 17, 2025
For many Hispanics in the United States, especially those with family members in vulnerable situations – whether in the prison system or facing immigration challenges – this act by Pope Francis resonates powerfully.
His visit is a reminder that faith and human dignity are not conditioned by social status, health or physical freedom.
Moreover, in times when mental health and isolation deeply affect migrant communities, this gesture of Francis is an invitation to practice compassion and closeness to the most forgotten.
Limited activities for Easter
Due to his convalescence, the Pope did not participate on Holy Thursday morning in the Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, which begins the Easter Triduum.
In addition, several liturgical celebrations this Holy Week will be presided over by designated cardinals, among them Baldassare Reina, who will lead the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday in front of the Roman Colosseum.
However, the Pope has not ceased to contribute spiritually: the homilies and texts of the Stations of the Cross have been written by him, and his presence, although physically limited, continues to profoundly mark the Vatican’s Holy Week.
The previous Wednesday, the Pope received in a private audience the staff and directors of the Gemelli Hospital, in his first official meeting with a large group since his discharge, confirming a progressive recovery.
A message to the forgotten
Buzzy
Pope Francis’ visit to the prison, even with health limitations, is a clear demonstration of his pastoral priority: the poor, the sick, the imprisoned and the forgotten.
A reminder to all – believers or not – that the power of the Christian message lies in acts of closeness, rather than in great speeches.
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