Mangaluru: Prof. Edmund Frank of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) was part of the Indian Prison Ministry delegation that had a special audience with Pope Leo XIV at St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The meeting took place ahead of the Jubilee Mass of Hope for prisoners, a key event of the Holy Year 2025.
Delegation and purpose
The Prison Ministry India (PMI) delegation was led by Rev. Dr Francis Kodian MCBS, National Coordinator and Co-founder of PMI. Other members included Rev. Fr Varghese Kariperry, Co-founder of PMI; Sr Amala DC, National Secretary of PMI; and Prof. Edmund Frank, Coordinator of Diploma Programmes for Prisoners and PMI Volunteers at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru. The audience with the Holy Father marked a spiritually significant moment for the delegation, reaffirming PMI’s mission of rehabilitation, dignity, and hope for prisoners across India.
Preparatory sessions and pilgrimage
Prior to the Vatican audience, the delegation participated in two days of study, prayer, discussions, and testimonies on December 12 and 13 at Fraterna Domus, Sacrofano, organised by the General Inspectorate of Italian Prison Chaplains. On December 14, the programme included a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica at 8.30 am, followed by the papal audience at 9.30 am and the Jubilee Mass at 10.00 am.
Jubilee Mass of Hope for prisoners
Pope Leo XIV presided over the Jubilee Mass dedicated to prisoners, their families, and all those involved in their rehabilitation. Speaking on the themes of hope, mercy, redemption, and rehabilitation, the Holy Father underlined that while individuals may be judged for their actions, they should never be defined solely by their past. He stressed that justice must always aim at reconciliation and healing rather than punishment alone.
The Mass drew more than 6,000 pilgrims from nearly 90 countries, including present and former prisoners, juveniles, families, prison staff, chaplains, correctional officers, and administrators. Participants represented countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, including India, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, and several others.
Message on prison reform and human dignity
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV highlighted pressing global prison challenges such as overcrowding, inadequate living conditions, limited access to education and rehabilitation programmes, and the lack of stable employment opportunities for inmates. He acknowledged the dedication of prison staff, social workers, and volunteers, recognising their work as demanding yet essential for the wellbeing of society. He called for justice systems worldwide to place reconciliation, mercy, and rehabilitation at their core.
A symbolic highlight of the liturgy was the use of Communion hosts produced by prisoners. Since 2016, more than 300 inmates have been involved in preparing hosts supplied to over 15,000 dioceses, parishes, and religious communities, serving as a powerful sign of transformation and hope.
Joy at St Aloysius Institutions
Back in Mangaluru, the leadership and community of St Aloysius Institutions expressed deep joy at Prof. Edmund Frank’s participation in the Vatican event. Rev. Fr Melwin Pinto SJ, Rector; Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice-Chancellor; faculty members; and alumni congratulated Prof. Frank—recipient of the Eminent Aloysian Alumni Award—for the honour of meeting the Holy Father and representing both the university and India’s prison ministry at a global platform.
