ROME — Pope Leo XIV criticized prison overcrowding and insufficient inmate rehabilitation programs on Sunday as he celebrated a special Mass for detainees, guards and their families in the final event of the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year. The Vatican said an estimated 6,000 people signed up to participate in the weekend pilgrimage, including representatives from big detention facilities in Italy and prison volunteers, wardens and prison chaplains from 90 countries. Included were a few groups of inmates who received special permission to participate, according to the Italian penitentiary chaplain’s association. In his homily, Leo acknowledged the oftentimes poor conditions prisoners face even in […]... Keep on reading: Pope criticizes prison overcrowding during special Mass for inmates