Pope Makes First Visit to Venice Women's Prison... 'City Entrance Fee' Waived

"Emphasizing 'There Are Mistakes That Must Be Forgiven'"

Pope Francis visited a women's prison in the northern Italian lagoon city of Venice and addressed the issue of inmate overcrowding, emphasizing that "no one's dignity should be violated."

A Bold Move for the Marginalized... Visit to a Women's Prison

Pope Francis is welcomed by gondola boatmen as he travels by motorboat in the northern Italian water city of Venice on the 28th (local time).
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 28th (local time), the Italian ANSA news agency reported that the Pope arrived at the women's prison on Giudecca Island in Venice around 8 a.m. by helicopter and personally greeted about 80 inmates, staff, and volunteers. The Pope said, "Prison is a harsh reality, and inmates suffer greatly due to overcrowding, lack of facilities and support, and incidents of violence," adding, "No one's dignity should be violated." He continued, "However, prison can be a place of moral and material rebirth," and urged, "Let us not forget that we all have mistakes to forgive and wounds to heal."

The Pope then toured an art exhibition installed within the prison. The Vatican City State, one of the 88 countries participating in the Venice Biennale art exhibition which officially opened on the 20th, unusually set up its pavilion inside the prison. This was Pope Francis's first visit to Venice since his inauguration in 2013. He also became the first pope to visit the Venice Biennale. Pope Francis has continued bold initiatives for the poor and marginalized, and this decision is interpreted as part of that ongoing commitment.

Advice to Young People: "Help Others"

Pope Francis is waving to the faithful after concluding Mass at St. Mark's Square in Venice, northern Italy, on the 28th (local time).
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

After finishing his prison visit, the Pope took a motorboat to the Santa Maria della Salute Church, where he engaged in dialogue with young people from Venice. He urged, "Do not waste time on your smartphones; help others." Later, he celebrated Mass at St. Mark's Square, the heart of Venice, attended by over 10,000 people, calling for inclusion and solidarity while emphasizing the dangers of climate change. He said, "Venice is a city united with the sea," and added, "If we do not cherish and protect the natural environment, Venice may cease to exist. Likewise, our lives must remain united in the Lord's love."

The 87-year-old Pope appeared relatively healthy and delivered his sermon with a clear voice. However, he also acknowledged the hardships of the papacy, which is rare. He asked the large crowd gathered in the square, "This work is not easy, so please pray for me." After the Mass, he concluded his half-day visit to Venice, returned to the women's prison on Giudecca Island, and took a helicopter back to the Vatican.

'Honored Guest' Pope Exempt from Venice Day-Trip City Entrance Fee... To Participate in June G7 AI Session

Venice charges a 5-euro (about 7,000 KRW) city entrance fee to day-trip tourists on weekends and holidays to address overtourism. However, the Pope, as an honored guest, was exempt from this fee. Having recently faced health concerns, the Pope plans to visit two more Italian cities?Verona in May and Trieste in July?starting with this day trip to Venice. In June, he is also scheduled to attend a session on artificial intelligence (AI) at the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Puglia, southern Italy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.