Pope Francis returned to the Regina Coeli prison in Rome yesterday, seven years after his visit on Holy Thursday 2018, when he celebrated Mass in Coena Domini and performed the traditional rite of foot washing. Welcomed by a warm ovation from some 70 inmates, the Pontiff appeared in a wheelchair and without oxygen cannulas, a sign of apparent stability in his health condition. The visit, which lasted about half an hour, took place in an atmosphere of strong participation and emotion. On his way out of the prison house, responding to reporters who asked him how he would live Easter, Pope Francis replied with simplicity, “I will live it as I can”. An expression that reflects his usual humility and willingness to remain close to the least, even at a time of obvious physical frailty. The visit confirms the Pontiff's constant attention to the prison world, already manifested several times during his pontificate, in line with the Gospel message of mercy and inclusion.
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