The Prison as a Place of Renewal in the Teaching of John Paul II

The prison is a source of suffering for people serving a sentence, exposes them to the loss of individuality, deprives them of the possibility of being themself, and limits practically all essential aspects of everyday existence. Every day in prison is carefully counted by the inmates. However, the time of imprisonment need not necessarily be wasted time. This time, according to the teachings of John Paul II, belongs to God and it is necessary to live it in this way. It is a time which can give rise to a new vision of life, bring a salutary change of character, and for some, it can become an opportunity to discover the true face of God. Imprisonment can take on a deeper meaning and serve the renewal of man.