Pope Leo XIV inspires Penitentiary Way of St. James

Santiago de Compostela will host the Penitentiary Way of St. James on October 3, bringing together inmates, volunteers, and professionals from 23 prisons across Spain. Organized by the Department of Penitentiary Pastoral of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, the event commemorates the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, the patron saint of prisons.

The theme for this year, "God dreams a better version of you," comes from words Pope Leo XIV spoke to inmates during his visit to the Brians 1 prison in Barcelona. Participants, including more than 150 inmates, educators, and officials, will walk the final stretch to the Obradoiro Square after completing their individual itineraries.

The day includes testimonies, a visit to the tomb of St. James, and a seasonal Mass at the cathedral. Archbishop Florencio Roselló of Pamplona, who directs the Department of Penitentiary Pastoral, will preside over the Mass. He will be joined by the Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela, Francisco José Prieto, and the Bishop of Mondoñedo-Ferrol, Fernando García Cadiñanos.