In Rome, Pope welcomes prison inmates

At the Vatican on Sunday (Sept. 13), about 50 inmates from Rome’s Rebibbia Prison attended the noontime prayers at the Sistine Chapel at the invitation of Pope Francis. They were escorted by the prison director, Stefano Ricca.

http://it.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/09/13/alcuni_detenuti_hanno_seguito_langelus_in_cappella_sistina/1171581

The prisoners were given special dispensation for the day’s outing, which included a tour of the Vatican Museum, guided by the museum director, Antonio Paolucci.

“These emotions will remain in our hearts and in our minds for a long time,” the prison director told Vatican Radio. “For the prisoners, clearly, this [outing] is particularly valuable. Instead of spending yet another morning inside the prison, they were able to participate in an exclusive visit on a day when normally the Museum is closed. The prisoners who took part in this exceptional event were truly moved.”

Last April 2, during Easter week, Pope Francis visited Rebbibia Prison and washed the feet of 12 inmates, reenacting Jesus’ washing of the feet of his 12 apostles.