The Pope and Prisons

When the world recently mourned the passing of Pope Francis, it did so not only for a spiritual leader but for a figure who embodied compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting the marginalized. Among the many ways he impacted the world, on a personal level, I appreciated what I read about his advocacy for people in prison. His actions, not merely symbolic, were deliberate, resource-driven, and deeply personal—even to the point of financial sacrifice.

As a person who served multiple decades, I intimately understand the immense challenges and systemic barriers people face, not only during incarceration but also as they work toward proving their worthiness for redemption. Pope Francis’s efforts to change the lives of those in prison exemplify a leadership style that blends courage with tangible action, and his example is one I carry with me every day.

Pope Francis’s Courage

From what I read, Pope Francis consistently called upon society to see people in prison as human beings, worthy of dignity and second chances. He visited prisons worldwide, listened to the voices of incarcerated individuals, and spoke openly about the need for systems that rehabilitate rather than purely punish.

Rather than being filled with happy talk, the Pope matched his words with action. When institutions hesitated to fund programs for incarcerated individuals, Pope Francis donated his own resources to fill the gap. Most remarkably, he gave away his entire life savings to establish vocational training programs in a juvenile prison in Rome. I read that after he made his donation, he about $100 remaining to his name. That level of selflessness inspires me, showing that there will always be people who are willing to give more than we can imagine..

Creating change demands relentless effort. To make a difference, a person must overcome resistance and be willing to pursue what's important to him. We wrote about that concept in our Straight-A Guide course, and it's refreshing to see know that a person like the Pope lives by that ame concept of defining success.

He chose to keep pursuing his dream of doing good, even thought he had to overcome resistance while advocating for those he sought to help. Even as one of the most influential figures in the world, he discovered how entrenched societal stigma and system inertia could be when it came to people in prison. If someone like Pope Francis had to fight so hard to bring attention to the struggles of incarcerated individuals, what does that mean for advocates like you and me?

People in prison often feel as if the odds are stacked against them. Still, they have the power to rewrite their stories and pave their path forward. Pope Francis’s example is a reminder of the importance of self-reliance, preparation, and advocacy.

Personal Resilience

Pope Francis’s commitment leaves us with some key takeaways:

See People as People, Not Problems 

Pope Francis encouraged the world to consider the humanity of every individual, especially those judged and marginalized. People in prison may have made mistakes. I’ve made many. But a person's mistakes doesn't mean they lack the capacity to change, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society. When we look first at someone's potential rather than their past, we create space for transformation.

• Are you focusing on your potential rather than dwelling on past failures?
• How can you demonstrate that potential to others?

Prepare for Systemic Resistance 

Despite his moral authority, Pope Francis faced extraordinary challenges in convincing institutions to invest in prison reform or rehabilitation programs. Similarly, anyone advocating for themselves or for others within the justice system must understand that roadblocks are inevitable. For those who are incarcerated, this means taking initiative and building a long-term plan.

People in prison must accept that societal and institutional change may take years or decades. Until then, their focus should be on proving themselves daily, making incremental progress in education, personal development, and self-advocacy. Only they can write their pathway forward.

Take Bold, Sacrificial Action 

Whether donating resources, time, or emotional labor, meaningful reform requires tangible commitments. Pope Francis exemplified this through his financial donations, but everyone has something they can give. For individuals still imprisoned, this may mean demonstrating commitment through personal growth. Start journaling. Write letters that detail the steps you’ve taken toward change. Build your story of transformation step by step so that, one day, you can present undeniable evidence of reform.

Pope Francis’s life offers a profound lesson for anyone who has faced adversity or injustice. He faced resistance but pressed onward with faith, compassion, and unwavering determination. I can relate to those struggles. I worked relentlessly over the 9,500 days I spent in prison to prove my worthiness of freedom. That persistence led to opportunities, which I began engineering at the start of my sentence. 

If you’re incarcerated, prepare every day as if your future depends on it.

It does.

Build a record of measurable efforts that reflect your belief in a brighter tomorrow. Write essays, letters, or journals that share your story authentically and compellingly. Learn a new skill. Seek ways to mentor others. The transformation you demonstrate today can profoundly affect how “the system” views you tomorrow.

For those of us who advocate for people in prison, the Pope's example drives home the importance of persistence and empathy. Advocating for reform is never easy, particularly when entrenched systems resist change. But we cannot allow resistance to discourage us.

My mission through Prison Professors is to empower individuals who face adversity to create their own opportunities for growth and success. Whether you’re currently incarcerated, recently released, or supporting someone navigating these challenges, I encourage you to take bold, deliberate steps forward. Commit to self-reliance. Invest in education. Build disciplined daily habits.

As Pope Francis once said, “Every human being has the right to dignity. Even those who are behind bars.” Together, we can work to create a world that reflects those values.

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