In the statement, the Pope examines many aspects of imprisonment, from a Christian perspective. He urges governments to review prison systems and consider cutting sentences in 'a gesture of clemency'. It says that the Jubilee helps us remember the past, but also looks to the future.
Faith can help the prisoner find an 'inner balance'.
God is ready to journey with everyone at their own pace. The message explains that the Jubilee is about change. Prison is also about promoting the interests of prisoners, rather than being simply 'a mere act of vengeance on the part of society, provoking only hatred in the prisoners themselves'. The Pope says the Jubilee is a time for society to reflect on the situation of prisoners. In some cases detention seems to create more problems than it solves.