Pope Leo XIV at Devoto prison: what he said and how the visit went.

The Pope's visit to Devoto prison

Pope Leo XIV visited the Devoto Federal Penitentiary Complex in Buenos Aires' Villa Devoto neighborhood this Wednesday, 11 November, on his last day in Argentina. He arrived shortly before 8 in the morning after leaving the Nunciature, according to La Nación.

At the entrance he was received by Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva and Justice Minister Juan Bautista Mahiques, La Nación reported. Inside, around 70 inmates were waiting, those who have not yet been moved to Marcos Paz. Clarín counted 74 prisoners on site.

Along the way, hundreds of faithful came out to greet him and for several stretches he rode with the window down, according to La Nación. Ámbito spoke of thousands of people around the prison, hoping to see him even for a few seconds.

What Leo XIV told the inmates of Devoto

The meeting was held in a gym inside the prison, according to Clarín. Buenos Aires Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva opened it, thanked the Pope for coming and recalled that Francis went to that prison every Holy Thursday to celebrate the Eucharist and wash the inmates' feet, according to La Nación.

Three people connected to the prison then gave testimonies about their recovery and reintegration. Ámbito said the Pope invited each of them onto the stage for a hug and a few words. One account, from a 29-year-old man held since 2025, spoke of life on the street, addictions and his approach to the chapel, according to La Nación.

In his message, Leo XIV focused on the experience of limits. He said society tends to treat illness, old age or suffering as flaws to be corrected, and he named drugs, easy money, violence against the weakest and the impunity that comes from corruption as negative realities, according to Clarín and Ámbito.

The Pope acknowledged how hard it is to be unable to leave freely or to hug one's children every day. Even so, he said that time in the prison "puede ser una oportunidad para empezar de nuevo" and that the prison "es también testigo de profundos cambios", phrases picked up by Clarín and Ámbito.

He also spoke to the inmates' families and to prison staff, professionals and volunteers. For them, the challenge of working in prisons can also be a chance to grow, according to Ámbito.

A prison in the process of closing

García Cuerva described the complex as a men's prison that until a while ago held 1,500 people. According to his words, reported by La Nación, its inmates are now being moved little by little to other units, because the building is heading toward permanent closure.

La Nación adds that the building will soon be demolished. Clarín states that 74 prisoners remain after almost all inmates were moved to Marcos Paz, while La Nación and Ámbito speak of about 70.

Devoto neighbors came out to the street

The visit to the prison had been announced as private, but neighbors and faithful gathered anyway around it, mostly on Tinogasta street and near Quevedo, according to Clarín. The same source said that T-shirts were sold nearby for 5,000 pesos and Papal flags for 3,000 pesos.

Clarín also gathered the voices of relatives of detainees. A member of an organization of women with imprisoned relatives said the Pope's decision to visit a prison felt like an embrace. In her view, this is a part of society that feels discriminated against.

Useful facts

Place and time: the Devoto Federal Penitentiary Complex, in Villa Devoto, with neighbors gathered on Tinogasta street. The Pope arrived on Wednesday, 11 November, shortly before 8 in the morning.

Who remains: according to the sources, between 70 and 74 prisoners are waiting to be moved to Marcos Paz. What comes next for the building: La Nación reported it will be demolished, and Clarín said almost all inmates have already moved out.

On the street, according to Clarín, T-shirts cost 5,000 pesos and flags 3,000 pesos.