Prisoners Lose Freedom, Not Dignity, Affirms Pope

Share this Entry

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 30, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Prisoners lose their liberty, but not their dignity, and thus they still have inalienable rights, Benedict XVI is recalling.

The Pope said this today in St. Peter’s Square when he greeted participants from a conference on Latin American and Caribbean prison ministry that was held last week.

The Holy Father encouraged those «who work in favor of the men and women who have lost their liberty, but not their dignity.»

«Also in these cases,» he said, «fundamental human rights must be respected and a recovery and re-education that permits the re-entry of the imprisoned in society should be sought.»

The Bishop of Rome assured his spiritual closeness and prayer, blessing them and inviting them «not to feel alone and to maintain hope in the Lord, who is everlastingly faithful to his promises of salvation and who comes to visit his vineyard, which he himself has planted among men.»

Share this Entry

ZENIT Staff

Support ZENIT

If you liked this article, support ZENIT now with a donation