By Victoria Cardiel
Rome Newsroom, Feb 17, 2025 / 11:05 am
When Pope Francis had to cancel his planned meeting with inmates at Milan’s San Vittore prison due to his hospitalization, the prisoners decided to send him heartfelt letters instead.
The Holy Father understands that true rehabilitation happens not just behind bars, but in the depths of one’s heart. He had intended to connect with the inmates on a personal level at a special concert that was scheduled to take place on Monday, Feb. 17, at Rome’s Cinecittà studios.
Unfortunately, the event had to be called off following the Pope’s hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
“It was a disappointing turn of events for the inmates, as the concert was a rare chance for them to experience a taste of freedom and fresh air,” explained Eliana Onofrio, president of the Amici della Nave association.
Since 2018, the organization has been working on the La Nave project, a program that supports Italian inmates struggling with addiction through music therapy in collaboration with the Santi Paolo e Carlo healthcare association.
“Music serves as a powerful tool in their rehabilitation journey, helping them relax and reconnect with themselves,” Onofrio added.
Upon learning of the cancellation, some inmates took it upon themselves to write heartfelt letters to the Pope. “It was a spontaneous gesture of love and appreciation,” noted Onofrio.
In one of the letters, an inmate expressed his deep sadness at the missed opportunity, mentioning how much effort and affection had gone into planning the concert for Pope Francis.
