Vatican City, Jun 1, 2016 / 11:29 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has sent a special message to support the work of prison chaplains during the Year of Mercy.

“He especially wishes to assure all who are serving prison communities of his prayerful solidarity and deep gratitude for their efforts in upholding the human dignity of all those incarcerated,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, said to a European meeting of chaplains June 1.