Pope Francis made his first trip outside of Rome in seven months to visit a women’s prison in Venice. The Vatican exhibition, held in a Venetian prison on the island of Giudecca, brought together modern artists and detainees to create works of art.
During his visit, the Pope met with more than eighty detainees, as well as prison guards, staff, and volunteers. In the courtyard, he acknowledged the harsh reality of prison life and emphasized that prison can also be a place of moral and material rebirth. He reminded everyone that forgiveness is possible despite their mistakes.
After visiting the prison, Pope Francis went to a church and celebrated mass in the Basilica of San Marco. Due to health issues, he arrived at the prison by helicopter. This visit was part of his plan to make four trips within Italy over the next three months, including attending the G7 summit in Bari. His long-awaited trip outside of Europe is scheduled for September, with Indonesia being one of the destinations.
Pope Francis’s visit to the women’s prison in Venice during the Venice Biennale symbolizes his commitment to addressing social issues and advocating for forgiveness and redemption for all individuals, regardless of their past mistakes.
