Pope Visits Women’s Prison for Venice Biennale Art Exhibition #

Pope Francis made a special visit to a women’s prison in Venice as part of the Vatican’s participation in the Venice Biennale international art exhibition. The exhibition, titled “With My Eyes,” showcased artworks created by incarcerated women in collaboration with artists. The Pope emphasized the importance of offering prisoners opportunities for personal, cultural, and professional development to facilitate their successful reintegration into society. The choice to hold the exhibition in a prison aligned with the Pope’s message of inclusivity. While the project has received positive feedback, it has also sparked ethical debates concerning the involvement of powerful institutions and the autonomy of incarcerated individuals. Some critics have called for pardons or reduced sentences for women imprisoned due to domestic violence.