Prisoners use lunch with Pope Francis to escape

Two prisoners have escaped from a lunch with Pope Francis. They remain at large. It is unlikely the Pope will change his habits of visiting prisoners.

Two prisoners have escaped during a lunch with Pope Francis.

Highlights

By Marshall Connolly (CALIFORNIA NETWORK)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
10/19/2017 (7 years ago)

Published in Europe

Keywords: Pope Francis, prisoners, escape, lunch

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Two prisoners from the Italian town of Napoli used a lunch meeting with Pope Francis as a chance to escape. The prisoners were part of a group of 20 that was invited to a lasagna lunch with the Holy Father in the city of Bolonga on Oct. 1.

Volunteers noticed two of the prisoners were missing and alerted police. The escaped inmates have not been found. The prisoners were housed in a facility that holds prisoners for rehabilitation as well as people who are considered a danger to society. It is unknown if the escapees were in the facility for rehabilitation or because they were dangerous.

Pope Francis routinely meets with prisoners as well as people who are often disenfranchised and ignored by society. He is fond of meeting the poor, the homeless, and the sick and disabled. His meetings have been scrutinized by some who are concerned he could be putting himself into unnecessary danger. Pope Francis is also fond of mingling with crowds and stopping to visit and bless people along his routes.

Despite these concerns, no danger has ever come to the Holy Father. No attempts have been made to harm him. On the contrary, great blessings undoubtedly come from his mingling with the people. His meetings with the disenfranchised inspire others to do likewise, and encourages people to be merciful toward others.

Jesus asked people to visit the sick and the imprisoned, and He led by example. Pope Francis is doing the same. May we all have the courage to follow.