History is being made this weekend as seven Maltese inmates become the first prisoners from the island to travel abroad while serving time, heading to Rome to participate in the Pope’s Jubilee of Prisoners.The unprecedented two-day trip will see the selected inmates leave Malta on Saturday, accompanied by a team of guards and prison staff. They return on Monday, the day after the main event: a mass presided over by Pope Leo at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.Prison authorities hope this special journey will support the inmates on their rehabilitation path, reflecting the gesture of hope promoted by the Catholic Church’s 2025 Holy Year. The trip is being facilitated by Malta’s ambassador to the Holy See, Frank Zammit, who described the decision as a beautiful symbol of compassion and dignity.“Such an act reflects mercy, rehabilitation, and the belief that transformation is possible for all,” Zammit said. “It shows that every person deserves a chance for spiritual renewal.”Malta joins several other countries sending inmates to the Vatican for the final “themed jubilee” of the Holy Year, which was kicked off by the late Pope Francis on Christmas Eve last year and continues until January 6 under the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.Over the past year, pilgrims from all walks of life, including young people, artists, workers, families, and migrants, have taken part in the various jubilee celebrations, emphasising forgiveness, pilgrimage, and spiritual renewal.Pope Francis made solidarity with prisoners a defining hallmark of his papacy. He consistently championed mercy and redemption over mere punishment, calling on governments worldwide to offer clemency, amnesty, and improved, dignified conditions for incarcerated individuals.One of his most memorable gestures was moving the traditional Maundy Thursday foot-washing ceremony from St Peter’s Basilica into correctional facilities, washing the feet of inmates regardless of gender, age, or faith.This weekend, the seven Maltese inmates will carry forward that message of hope, forgiveness, and transformation, showing that even behind bars, journeys of faith and renewal are possible.What do you make of this?•