Pope Francis: Life imprisonment forgoes the 'right to start over'

In an audience with penitentiary staff and prison chaplains, Pope Francis said Saturday that sentencing prisoners to life imprisonment diminishes their "right to hope."

Vatican City, (CNA) - In an audience with penitentiary staff and prison chaplains, Pope Francis said Saturday that sentencing prisoners to life imprisonment diminishes their "right to hope."

"It is up to every society ... to ensure that the penalty does not compromise the right to hope, that prospects for reconciliation and reintegration are guaranteed," Pope Francis said Sept. 14 in St. Peter's Square.

"Life imprisonment is not the solution to problems - I repeat: life imprisonment is not the solution to problems, but a problem to be solved," the pope said.

Pope Francis explained that he believes that during the penitentiary process of rectifying mistakes, hope for the future should not be eliminated.

"Because if hope is closed in a cell, there is no future for society," he said. "Never deprive one of the right to start over."

Directing his message toward all prisoners, Pope Francis said: "Never let yourself be imprisoned in the dark cell of a hopeless heart; do not give in to resignation. God is greater than any problem and is waiting for you to love you."

"Stand before the Crucifix, in the gaze of Jesus, in front of Him with simplicity and sincerity," the pope told prisoners. "From there, from the humble courage that belongs to those who do not lie to themselves, peace is reborn with the trust of being loved, and the strength to go on flourishes again."

"You who are detained are important to God, who wants to do wonders in you," he said. "Have courage because you are in the heart of God; you are precious in his eyes, and even if you feel lost and unworthy, do not lose heart."

"God is greater than our hearts," the pope encouraged, quoting 1 John 3:20.

Pope Francis also thanked prison chaplains and volunteers for being "the bearers of the Gospel within the walls of prisons."

He encouraged them to continue to "enter the most difficult situations with the sole strength of a smile and a heart that listens" and to carry others in prayer.

In his audience with the Italian Penitentiary Police, the law enforcement agency dedicated to the country's prison security, inmate safety and transportation, Pope Francis encouraged the penitentiary staff to always recognize the "irrepressible dignity" in the face of "wounded and often devastated humanity."

"Lay the foundations for a more respectful coexistence and therefore for a safer society," he told the police and administrative staff.

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