By boat to the prison

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The Pope leaves St. Mark's Basilica in Venice - it was Francis' very first visit to the lagoon city.

(Bild: APA/VATICAN MEDIA/Handout)

Pope Francis arrived in Venice on Sunday for a visit. The pontiff reached the island of Giudecca by helicopter and greeted the 80 or so inmates of the women's prison there. The Holy See has set up its Biennale pavilion in the prison. It is the first time that a pope has visited the major exhibition of contemporary art.

Inmates accompanied the Pope and visitors on an art trail through the prison. The works of art on display on the Giudecca were created in dialog with the women prisoners. The artists commissioned by the Vatican have done a great deal to make their reality comprehensible to an audience that has never been inside a prison.

The "With my eyes" project invites people to explore the stories and desires of those who live in prison, the curators explained. "Art defeats racism," Francis emphasized.

It is crucial that the prison system provides prisoners with tools and spaces for human, spiritual, cultural and professional growth, creating the conditions for their healthy reintegration into society.

Papst Franziskus

"Can all be healed"
"Let us not forget that we all have mistakes that need to be forgiven and wounds that need to heal, including me, and that we can all be healed. Let us renew our trust in the future together today. (...) Please do not close the window, always look to the future with hope," Francis added.

Mass in St. Mark's Square 
After visiting the prison, the Pope will first meet with 1700 young people. He will then celebrate mass in St. Mark's Square. Thousands of pilgrims flocked to St. Mark's Square early on Sunday to attend mass with the Pope. It is doubtful that the Pope had to pay admission in the lagoon city ...