Pope Francis Visits Rome Jail Before Easter Amid Recovery

Photo: AFP

Pope Francis, who is still recovering from health issues, said on Thursday that he was doing "as best I can" while visiting prisoners at Rome's central jail ahead of Easter.

The 88-year-old Pope, who is from Argentina, spent about half an hour at Regina Coeli, a rundown prison in the heart of Rome. The prison is one of the most overcrowded in Italy. The Pope met around 70 prisoners, along with the prison staff and management, the Vatican said in a statement.

The Pope was seen smiling as he greeted everyone. After his visit, he was driven away in the passenger seat of his white Fiat 500 car.

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When he spoke to journalists, the Pope shared his thoughts. He said, “Every time I enter these places I ask, ‘Why them and not me?’” His voice was weak and raspy.

A reporter asked the Pope how he was feeling about this year’s "complicated" Easter week, especially after his recent hospital stay and recovery. The Pope replied, “I live it as best I can.”

The Pope, who is a Jesuit, is still following doctors' orders to rest for two months. He had been in the hospital for five weeks to treat pneumonia in both of his lungs. He was released from the hospital on March 23.

Even though the doctors asked him to rest, the Pope has still been making surprise appearances. Recently, he met King Charles and Queen Camilla, and he also made an unexpected visit to St. Peter's Basilica. There, he met pilgrims and admired some restoration work happening in the church.

At Regina Coeli, Pope Francis did not perform the usual foot-washing ceremony that is done on Holy Thursday. This ceremony, which remembers when Jesus washed his apostles' feet, is a special part of Easter.

The Pope explained to the prisoners, “Every year I like to do in prison what Jesus did on Holy Thursday, the washing of the feet.” He added, “This year I can't do it, but I can and wish to be close to you. I pray for you and for your families.”

Since he became Pope in 2013, Pope Francis has done the foot-washing ceremony outside the Vatican, including for prisoners, women, and the sick. In Christian tradition, Maundy Thursday, which is part of Holy Week, remembers the Last Supper that Jesus had with his 12 apostles.

Holy Week is an important time in Christianity, as it remembers the last days of Jesus before his resurrection at Easter.

Because of his health, the Pope has cut back on his usual busy schedule during Holy Week. He will not lead the Easter vigil mass on Saturday night or the Easter Sunday mass at the Vatican. Instead, these services will be led by cardinals.