"Prisoners went on the Pope are easily oppressed by feelings of isolation, shame and rejection, which eventually shatter their hopes and aspirations for the future". From this perspective, the chaplains and their assistants "are called to be the messengers of God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness". "In conjunction with the civil authorities", said the Pope, the chaplains and the prisons’ pastoral workers are called "to the hard task of helping the prisoners find motivation again, so that, with God’s grace, they may rebuild their lives, make up with their families, and, as far as possible, undertake the responsibilities and duties that will enable them to lead straight, honest lives, within society". "Patience" and "perseverance", despite "frequent disappointments and frustrations": these are the qualities that the Holy Father asks of those who work in this pastoral sphere, where effective help consists in the prisoners’ "regular partaking" of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance. The Pope concluded by encouraging the "efforts" of the chaplains and their assistants, exhorting them to "promote more respect of the prisoners’ dignity".
