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Prisoner Advocacy Group Looks Toward Pope's Visit To Philadelphia Prison With Hope

By Kristen Johanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- The pope's schedule in Philadelphia this September will include a visit to the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, which is welcome news to prison support groups.

The Pennsylvania Prison Society serves as an advocacy group for those incarcerated, working to make sure prisoners are humanely treated and given adequate resources.

Executive director Ann Schwartzman says a papal visit would show mercy to those incarcerated.

"What it shows is that he is concerned, that he cares," Schwartzman says. "That people behind bars, they are human beings.  They are people who deserve time, who often deserve a second chance, and the pope is reinforcing that."

She says Philadelphia was the birthplace of the modern prison system and his visit will most likely bring peace to the hearts and minds of prisoners.

"I think for many people, this will be a redirection in their lives," she said. "I think it's going to show that somebody of the pope's magnitude can come in to really show that he cares, to show concern for people who are incarcerated."

You can check out the schedule of events here.

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