Pope Francis Brings Hope to Rome Prisoners Despite Health Struggles

Pope Francis marked Holy Thursday this year by visiting inmates at Rome's Regina Coeli prison, keeping up a longstanding tradition despite recently recovering from pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, under strict doctor’s orders to rest and avoid crowds, nonetheless made time for those society often forgets.

Pope Francis offered words of encouragement to the prisoners, gifting each a Rosary and a pocket-sized Gospel. Even though he couldn't perform his usual ritual of washing feet due to his health, he made it clear that his heart was with them. "I have always liked coming to prison on Holy Thursday to do the washing of the feet like Jesus. This year, I cannot do it, but I want to be close to you. I pray for you and your families," he told the inmates.

The visit lasted about thirty minutes, but the gesture left a big impact. Francis, never one to shy away from difficult conversations, reflected to journalists after the visit, "Every time I enter a place like this, I ask myself: Why them and not me?" It’s a pretty raw question from a pope, but that’s Francis—always keeping it real.

This visit comes during the 2025 Holy Year, which started and will end with special papal events for prison inmates. Despite his fragile health, Francis is expected to make a handful of other appearances during the Easter season, while cardinals handle the heavier Holy Week events in his place.

Just days earlier, Francis made his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital, greeting crowds in Saint Peter's Square for Palm Sunday. Although he’s been seen with a small oxygen tube in the past, he appeared this time without it, offering a "Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week" to the faithful.