Pope condemns prison overcrowding during special Mass for inmates
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday condemned prison overcrowding and inadequate rehabilitation programs during a special Holy Year Mass at the Vatican for detainees, guards and their families. The liturgy marked the closing event of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Holy Year and drew an estimated 6,000 registered participants, according to the Vatican. Delegations from major detention facilities joined the weekend pilgrimage, which featured religious services, pastoral activities and meetings led by Vatican clergy and visiting chaplains. Church officials and security staff coordinated logistics and access for the prison groups throughout the event.