Pope Francis donates funds for prison pasta project
Last week, Pope Francis made a sudden appearance at Italy's most overcrowded prison, Regina Coeli, and extended his greetings to the inmates. After his passing, it was revealed that he had decided to make an extraordinary gesture.
Throughout the 12 years of his papacy, Pope Francis visited prisons numerous times, often timing these visits just before Easter to extend his wishes to the prisoners. This year was no exception. Pope Francis visited Regina Coeli and spent approximately 30 minutes with a group of 70 individuals. During the visit, he expressed his desire to be with them and shared that he keeps them and their families in his prayers, according to Business Insider.
Only after the Pope's death did it surface that he had taken a significant step. This information was disclosed by Benoni Ambarus, the auxiliary bishop of Rome and the papal delegate for prisons, who accompanied Francis during his last visit.
"I’ve almost used up all the money"
The Italian service Rai News reported on the event. Benoni Ambarus released the details to the media, revealing that Pope Francis decided to financially support a pasta factory project set to be built in the Casal del Marmo prison.
"I told him that we have a large mortgage for this pasta factory and if we manage to pay it off, we'll lower the price of the pasta, sell more, and hire people," revealed Benoni Ambarus in a comment to the ANSA agency.
The Pope reportedly said: "I’ve almost used up all the money, but I still have a little left in the account," quotes Business Insider.
The cleric donated €200,000, approximately CAD 290,000.
