Ahead of Pope Francis' visit to Ireland this summer, we take a look back at the visit of Pope John Paul II, specifically what it meant for a particular group of Irish people: prisoners. Back in 1979, to celebrate the visit, it was decided that a Papal Amnesty would grant early release to 76 prisoners, giving them the opportunity to see his holiness himself, along with the rest of the country. However, this posed a problem. If Gardaí were occupied with security for the visit and if most homes were empty as 1.25 million flocked to the Phoenix Park for the Pope's celebration of Mass, would the newly released prisoners be able to resist the urge to burgle?
A compromise was reached whereby prisoners would receive their Papal Amnesty, but only after the Pope's departure. Our Documentary on One, The Pope's Prisoners, follows the story of those on inside waiting to get out and also a group who did manage to get their release in time to celebrate the momentous occasion. It also probes perceptions of prisoners within society, the condition of jails and how that has changed in the decades since, as well as visiting Sean McDermott Street, where many prisoners hailed from, to remember their special preparations for the event.
Listen now on Documentary on One : The Pope's Prisoners
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