Inmates Create Pope Dolls Ahead of His Peru Visit
In Lima’s Chorrillos Women’s Penitentiary, inmates participated in a unique initiative, crafting dolls depicting Pope Leo XIV out of velvet, as well as producing rosaries, necklaces, and other handmade items to be sold…
In Lima’s Chorrillos Women’s Penitentiary, inmates participated in a unique initiative, crafting dolls depicting Pope Leo XIV out of velvet, as well as producing rosaries, necklaces, and other handmade items to be sold outside the prison. This effort is part of a project aimed at supporting the rehabilitation and social reintegration of incarcerated women.
Silvia Alayo, the executive secretary of the Commission for Social Action of the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference, described the initiative as a beautiful way for the inmates to feel connected to the impending visit of Pope Leo XIV to Peru from November 6 to 17. As part of a state-run reintegration project, inmates have been sewing velvet dolls of the Pope and creating other items in preparation for his arrival.
This initiative falls under the broader framework of Peru's 'Productive Prisons' programme, which merges efforts from the country’s prison system and the private sector. Alayo explained that the program provides vocational training opportunities and employment within the prisons, crucial for achieving the goals of a prison sentence. She emphasized that this scheme, which has been developing over the past six to eight years, builds on earlier experiences with prison production workshops supported by the Church.
As the countdown begins to Pope Leo XIV’s arrival in Peru, the rhythmic tapping of sewing machines and the sound of scissors fill the air within Chorrillos, where 78 inmates work behind steel bars. For these women, creating these items not only serves as a mental escape from confinement but also allows them to contribute financially to their families from a distance. One inmate shared, “We may not be physically with them, but we are there in spirit and in our hearts.”
Addressing the conditions within Peru's prison system, Alayo noted that there are approximately 107,000 inmates in the country, facing significant overcrowding issues. Women represent about 5% of this population, and facilities specifically for women are limited, primarily located in Lima. Notably, the Chorrillos facility housed over 1,500 inmates in February, despite its intended capacity of just over 700, raising serious concerns about the dignity and health of those incarcerated.
Many of the incarcerated women have been convicted of offenses related to drug trafficking and theft. Alayo highlighted a concerning trend dubbed the 'feminisation' of crime, which indicates a substantial number of women imprisoned for drug-related offenses, often driven by economic necessity or coerced by violent circumstances.
The Church's involvement in prison ministry contributes two main benefits: spiritual support and the promotion of the right to work for inmates. For years, the Church has actively engaged in vocational training, facilitating workshops that enable many women to produce goods and support their families while serving their sentences.
As anticipation grows for Pope Leo XIV's visit to Peru, a sense of excitement and affection for him flourishes among the inmates. Alayo noted that the women at Chorrillos consider Pope Leo XIV as one of their own, particularly due to his ties to the country, including being granted Peruvian citizenship in 2015. They seek to express their connection through their creations and feel part of his visit. Following his election, a wave of joy spread through the prison upon hearing the news of his upcoming visit, leading to prayers for the Pope's health.
Inmate Milagros expressed hope that “his spirit will reach them” during his time in Lima.
