Pope Leo XIV Visits Devoto Prison in Buenos Aires

Pope Leo XIV visited Devoto Prison in Buenos Aires during a visit on Wednesday, November 11. The prison, which has nearly a century of history, is closing its activities and transferring inmates to other units. The facility previously housed 1,500 men.

The Pope listened to testimonies from three inmates: Cristian, Maximiliano, and Reynaldo. Cristian is 29 years old, and Maximiliano is 32 years old and a father of family. All three shared their personal stories and their approach to faith during their time in the prison.

“Espero que todos, inclusive eu, possamos levar em nossos corações essa mensagem de que uma nova vida é possível. É a esperança de que precisamos.”

In his speech, the Pope spoke about the experience of limits. He said that society often presents limitations, illness, suffering, and incapacity as defects to be corrected. He linked the search for omnipotence to drugs, easy money, violence against the weakest, and corruption.

Leo XIV stated that evil nesting in the human heart ruins society and the lives of many people, reaching extremes of inhumanity. However, he noted that even in those situations, a small light can be kept alive through grace, conversion, and reconciliation.

The Pope said that the experience of limits does not necessarily impoverish a person. Instead, it can become an instance to recognize mistakes, discover the affection of others, and experience the presence of God.

The visit was the first of the fourth day of the Pontiff's apostolic trip to Argentina. It is considered historic for the 99-year-old institution. The event demonstrates the Church's attention to people deprived of liberty and continues the pastoral work of Francis and Bergoglio.

Leo XIV expressed hope that everyone, including himself, can carry the message that a new life is possible. He described this as the hope that is needed.