“I renew my appeal that prisons be places of re-education and re-integration into society; and that the conditions of life of prisoners might be worthy of human persons.”
Condemning yesterday’s brutal attack at a prison in Brazil’s Amazon Jungle City of Manaus, Pope Francis stressed this to the pilgrims and visitors gathered in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall during his first General Audience of 2017.
“Yesterday, from Brazil, arrived the dramatic news of the massacre that took place in the Manaus prison, where a violent clash between rival gangs caused dozens of deaths,” Francis said, referring to the riot sparked by a clash between rival drug gangs which claimed some 60 lives, decapitating many.
“I express my sorrow and concern about what happened,” Francis said, inviting those present to pray for those who have died, their families, for all that prison’s inmates and for those who work there.”
Pope Francis concluded, urging those present to pray to Mary, Mother of Prisoners, with a Hail Mary.
***
On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full General Audience Text: to be made available shortly
