Pope Francis held a special Jubilee Mass for prisoners in St Peter's Basilica on Sunday, telling them that all people "have made mistakes" and urging them to never give up hope in God's mercy.
He later called on political leaders across the world to respect the dignity of inmates and offer them amnesty whenever possible.
Wearing green robes and a white skull cap, Francis stood before a congregation made up of some 1,000 prisoners from 12 countries and their families, as well as prison chaplains and volunteers. The event was part of the Vatican's Holy Year of Mercy, which comes to an end later this month.
