US EditionPope criticizes prison overcrowding during special Mass for inmates, guards and families
Pope Leo XIV highlighted 135% prison overcrowding in Italy and urged amnesties, pardons, and stronger rehabilitation programs during the Jubilee Mass for detainees and staff.
- On Dec. 14, 2025, Pope Leo XIV celebrated a Jubilee Mass for detainees and prison staff at St. Peter's Basilica, criticizing prison overcrowding and insufficient rehabilitation programs.
- As the Jubilee wound down, the Mass was the final major event ahead of the Jan. 6 Holy Door closing, and Pope Leo XIV recalled Pope Francis' Dec. 26 Rebibbia prison visit.
- About 6,000 people registered for the pilgrimage, including representatives from major detention facilities and volunteers, while several groups of inmates received special permission, the Italian penitentiary chaplain's association said.
- Amid the pope's appeal, watchdogs highlight systemic issues as Antigone said Italian prisons are at 135% capacity with over 63,000 detained, and authorities received 5,837 complaints last year.
- Invoking Jubilee tradition, Pope Leo XIV pressed for amnesties and pardons and urged charity toward prisoners and custodians alongside rehabilitation and job programs.
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Pope Leo XIV Calls for Change in Prison Systems at Vatican Mass
Pope Leo XIV criticized prison overcrowding and lack of rehabilitation programs during a Mass for inmates and their families as part of the Vatican's 2025 Holy Year. The event, attended by 6,000 people worldwide, highlighted the need for charity, forgiveness, and improved conditions in detention facilities.
“I have never felt as free as I am today, even if I am deprived of liberty,” said Miguel (the names of the article are fictitious) this Saturday. “It is one of the 31 Spanish prisoners who have traveled this weekend to Rome to participate in the Jubilee of the prisoners with Leo XIV. It will be the last great event of the Holy Year and will have a particular meaning, despite the fact that no crowds are expected: there are just over 200 prisoners…
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