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Last week Pact's CEO Andy Keen-Downs had the once-in-a-lifetime privilege to greet Pope Francis as a representative of the Prison Advice and Care Trust (Pact). Andy was in Rome for the Centesimus Annus Conference which included a private audience. In words echoing the values which underpin the work of Pact the national Catholic prison charity, Pope Francis spoke to the delegates about the importance of community where we are ‘imagining and working for a future where each person can find his or her place and have room in the world.’ Andy says:

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"When it was my turn, in terrible Italian, I asked Pope Francis to bless a beautiful silver image of Mary Untier of Knots, on behalf of those in prison in England & Wales. Pope Francis, who of course washes the feet of prisoners on Maundy Thursday, smiled when he understood what I was saying and raised his hand to touch and bless the picture. I asked him to pray for all of us who work with people in prison too. He indicated that he would do so."

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The particular image was suggested by Bishop Richard who is the Liaison Bishop for Prisons on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference. An image of Mary untying the seemingly intractable ‘knots’ in our lives may be especially appropriate for those affected by the criminal justice system – and those striving to make a difference in it.

Life is likely to be a struggle for women and men serving a prison sentence or working to make a fresh start after imprisonment, as it is for their children and families too. For those of us walking alongside and supporting our brothers and sisters in these situations, we see all the complexities of human relationships lived out within systems that can seem to make it harder for people to flourish.

Pact is 125 years old this year and continues to grow and innovate. Reflecting on his encounter with Pope Francis, Andy said:

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"It is hard to put into words what this symbolic and spiritual support from Pope Francis for Pact’s work means for me personally. I still feel a little overwhelmed. His concern for people in prison is well known, and to bring back a physical symbol of that care to prisoners in England and Wales, of all faiths and none, is humbling".

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As the charity goes about its work, and through its links with chaplaincy, Pact’s Faith in Action team will bring the image and Pope Francis’ blessing, to men and women inside, as well as to Pact's Catholic and Christian supporters and friends. For those who are strengthened by their Christian faith as they journey through the criminal justice system, they hope the image and its story will enable people to feel greater closeness to the whole Church and through the blessing of Pope Francis, to Jesus himself.  

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Image © Vatican Media