Pope Francis kept the tradition of visiting inmates during Holy Week

Pope Francis spent Holy Thursday visiting a serving time in a Roman prison.

Despite recovery from pneumonia, Francis met with dozens of prisoners in Prison in Regina Coel as he held the appointment of the Easter season among the less happy.

Francis offered the words of encouragement and gifted prisoners with pear and pocket gospel, according to Vatican news.

“I have always loved to come to prison on Holy Thursday to wash my feet like Jesus” said Pontif. “This year I can’t, but I want to be close to you. I pray for you and your family.”

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Pope Francis talks to reporters as he leaves at the end of his visit to the Regina Coeli penitentiary in Rome, Good Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Andrew Medichini)

Francis’ visit lasted about half an hour.

“Every time I get into this kind of place, I ask myself: Why do they, not me?” Francis told reporters out of prison.

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Pope Francis visited the Roman prison on April 17, 2025. (Andrew Medichini)

The fact that the 88-year-old Pope maintained appointment, although according to the doctor’s order to make it easier and avoid crowds, he was a clear sign of the importance he puts in the prison ministry and the need for priests to serve those most of them on the sidelines. This is even more true during 2025. Holy Year, who have opened up and will be closed with special papal events for closed prisoners.

Is expected to make Francis at least some others Easter performances During the coming days, even while the cardinals will chair his place during the hectic events of the Holy Week.

The security detail is accompanied by Pope Francis as he visits Rome in prison on Gotznight Thursday. (Andrew Medichini)

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On Sunday, Francis wished “Happy Palma Sunday and Happy Great Week” to believers gathered at St. Peter’s Square after the conclusion of the mass chaired by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri on his behalf. It was his first public appearance since he was fired from the hospital, where he had not received oxygen across the small bowel under the nose.

Fox News Courtney Walsh and Associated Press contributed to this report.