21 photos of the Pope's powerful visit to Philly prison
"Pray for me," Francis told the prisoners.
The papal chair, built for the Pope by inmate tradesmen at Curran-Fromhold Prison in Northeast Philadelphia. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
95 inmates, men and women, are ushered in to their seats. They do not wear any kind of restraints. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
Mayor Michael Nutter and other elected officials mill about the room among the inmates in the minutes before the Pope arrived. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
Mayor Michael Nutter greets Roberto Mejia, a wheelchair-bound inmate, who was chosen to hear the Pope speak. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
Anticipation in the final moments before the Holy Father's arrival. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
Inmates watch the TV broadcast of the Pope's helicopter ride to the prison. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
A warm reception. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
"He loves the chair," one of Francis' translators told the audience. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
The Pope wasn't shy to smile on stage. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
Francis addresses the audience after a brief introduction from Louis Giorla, commissioner of Philadelphia’s prison system, and Archbishop Charles Chaput. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
A moment of laughter. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
A moment of silence. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
After his speech, the Pope went into the audience and personally shook each inmate's hand. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
The room was silent as Francis made his way down each row of inmates. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
Pope Francis lays his hand on a man's head in prayer. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
In the last row of handshakes, an inmate jumps up and embraces the Holy Father. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
(Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
Rafael Ramos, awaiting trial at Curran-Fromhold, also asks the Pope to embrace him. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
Inmates become emotional as the Pope moves through the room. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
An ovation. (Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
(Photo: Max Marin/AL DÍA News)
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