Pope Francis Donates €200,000 to Rome’s Juvenile Prison as Final Act of Mercy
Remembering Pope Francis: A Legacy of Compassion for Prisoners
As mourners reflect on the life of Pope Francis, compelling stories are surfacing about his final actions, particularly highlighting his deep compassion for prisoners. Monsignor Benoni "Don Ben" Ambarus, who oversaw charity and pastoral care within Rome’s prisons, recently shared his experiences, confirming that the pope’s concern for the incarcerated was a defining element of his ministry.
Before his passing, Pope Francis made a significant gesture by donating €200,000 from his personal funds to a pasta factory operating within the juvenile prison of Casal del Marmo. Ambarus recounted a conversation they had regarding the factory’s mortgage, noting, “I told him that we have a big mortgage for this pasta factory and if we can reduce it we will lower the price of pasta, sell more and hire more boys. He replied, ‘Almost all my money is finished, but I still have something in my account.’”
In the days leading up to his death, the pope channeled his dwindling energy into visiting Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday. Ambarus described him as a “tired man” whose frail body carried an unwavering focus on the prisoners. “He fought for them until his last breath. That is why the prisoners saw hope in him. A father died for them,” he recounted.
One poignant moment recalled by Ambarus involved the pope’s visit during the inauguration of the Holy Door at Rebibbia prison last December. It was a day of celebration, particularly for the prisoners who felt recognized and valued.
In the aftermath of the pope’s passing, Ambarus received numerous messages from individuals expressing their deep sense of loss, with some prisoners requesting that he place flowers on Francis’ grave. “I am doing my best so that his favourite children can be at the funeral,” he stated.
Beyond his generous contributions, Pope Francis also publicly criticized the legal system for its failure to exhibit compassion and leniency toward inmates. Throughout his papacy, he declined to accept a monthly papal salary of around €30,000, instead directing those funds to various charities and individuals in need.
The legacy of Pope Francis is one marked by his unwavering commitment to serve society’s most marginalized, leaving an indelible impact on the lives of many, particularly those behind bars. His actions and advocacy will continue to inspire hope and compassion in the fight for justice and humanity.
