Delegations came from multiple Italian prisons and international groups coordinated by prison chaplaincies in Portugal, Spain, Malta, and Chile; about 500 pilgrims were supported by Italy’s General Inspectorate of Chaplains.

Approximately 6,000 pilgrims from nearly 90 countries attended the Jubilee of Prisoners, including detainees, families, prison staff, police, and administrators.

Italy’s prisons face persistent overcrowding, with capacity around 135% and over 63,000 detainees in facilities with under 47,000 beds, along with thousands of complaints of inhuman or degrading treatment.

Antigone reports both overcrowding and rising complaints of mistreatment in Italian prisons, underscoring long-standing systemic pressures.

Pope Francis had previously opened Rebibbia’s Holy Door and included inmates in Jubilee celebrations during his visit last year.

This event represented the final major Jubilee activity of the 2025 Holy Year, ahead of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s closing in early January.

Some inmates were granted authorization to attend the Mass, as noted by the Italian penitentiaries chaplain’s association.

The Vatican event drew about 6,000 participants from Italian detention facilities and from prison volunteers, wardens, and chaplains from 90 countries, with some inmates receiving special permissions.

Officials stated that about 6,000 people registered to participate in the weekend pilgrimage linked to the prisoners’ event.

The report includes coverage notes from ACI Stampa and CNA, with background on journalist Veronica Giacometti who contributed to the coverage.

The Mass hosts were prepared by prisoners through the 'Sense of Bread' project, which has produced Communion Hosts for more than 15,000 dioceses and communities since 2016.

The Pope criticized prison overcrowding and inadequate rehabilitation during a special Mass for detainees, guards, and families, linking charity, forgiveness, and improved conditions to the Vatican’s Holy Year end.