San Gabriel Region Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala joined 167 members of the International Commission of Catholic Prison Pastoral Care (ICCPPC) on September 5 for a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI at his summer residence, Castel Gandolfo in Rome.

Bishop Zavala serves as the U.S. Episcopal advisor to this body which met September 5-12 in Rome. This group represented prison chaplains from 62 countries. Among the delegates were two of us from Los Angeles, St. Joseph of Carondelet Sister Suzanne Jabro and Jesuit Father Michael Kennedy, and one of us, Debbie McDermott, from the California Catholic Conference.

In his address, Pope Benedict condemned torture of prisoners throughout the world.

When Pope Benedict received Bishop Zavala's hand he also embraced all in the audience who work with those who are incarcerated. He told them: "Your ministry requires much patience and perseverance. Not infrequently there are disappointments and frustrations."

With this connection of hands --- of the pope and Bishop Zavala --- the pope also touched thousands of youth and adults who are behind bars in the 62 countries represented who are living in unbearable situations; and the victims and the families of those who have suffered so greatly because of the crimes inflicted on them.

The pope felt the power of the stories of so many people in need of healing.

How many thousands of stories of the families of prisoners of 62 countries also cried out in that papal hall?

How many thousands of stories of those who are locked up in isolation as cruel torture in 62 countries were heard in the hall?

How many stories of victims of violence in 62 countries who have suffered the effects of crimes done to them also wailed intensely in that papal hall?

How many stories of prisoners in 62 countries whose human rights are denied screamed with intense pain?

Maybe the power of these testimonies gave Pope Benedict the strength to say the prophetic words he shared with us that afternoon: "I reiterate that the prohibition against torture cannot be contravened under any circumstances."

As the chaplains filed out the stately doors of that papal hall, there was a sense that they are fulfilling the mission of the church. Pope Benedict encouraged them to go forward and to invite others to accompany them in this work of Christ. "I was in prison and you visited me."

Editor's note: To help with this ministry visit www.restorejustice.com or call Debbie McDermott at (916) 313-4105. From Los Angeles, contact the archdiocesan Office of Restorative Justice at (213) 637-7649.