EUROPE/ITALY - Inmates in Rome’s Regina Caeli prison pray for the Pope and in a letter to the Pontiff in hospital they “express their love for a man who opened their eyes to a horizon of light, hope, love, freedom and salvation in Jesus Christ” inspector general of Italian prison chaplains tells Fides

Friday, 4 March 2005

Rome (Fides Service) - Mgr. Giorgio Caniato, inspector general of Prison Chaplains in Italy told Fides that “the prisoners are very fond of the Holy Father and they are very sorry that he is in hospital”. They pray for him together and individually in their cells. “A group of them - Mgr Caniato said- wrote a letter to the Pope to express their sympathy and wish him a speedy recovery, offering their own sufferings for him and if necessary even their life”. These sentiments - Mgr. Caniato said- are genuine, they are fruits of love for a man who opened their eyes to a horizon of light, hope, love, freedom and salvation in Jesus Christ. In the hearts and minds of our brothers and sisters in prison there are warm memories of the Holy Father’s visit and celebration of Mass among them at the Regina Caeli prison in Rome during the year 2000. Recently in the Regina Caeli prison Italian chaplains and chaplains from other countries celebrated a special Mass for the intentions and health of the Pope. They also reflected on the Pope John Paul II’s teaching on prison pastoral. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 4/3/2005; righe 31; parole 445)


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