I am doing a grade 12 religion project, and although I have searched for specific Rights of Prisoners, I cannot find specific references. Can someone help me out by sending me scriptural and catechismal references to this topic? It would be much appreciated! Thanks!

-- Katie Durden (mollythedolly@hotmail.com), April 25, 2001

Answers

Jmj

Hello, Katie.
Here are some relevant passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

1351. "From the very beginning Christians have brought, along with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, gifts to share with those in need. This custom of the collection, ever appropriate, is inspired by the example of Christ who became poor to make us rich: [Cf. 1 Cor 16:1 ; 2 Cor 8:9.] Those who are well off, and who are also willing, give as each chooses. What is gathered is given to him who presides to assist orphans and widows, those whom illness or any other cause has deprived of resources, prisoners, immigrants and, in a word, all who are in need. [St. Justin, Apol. 1, 67: PG 6, 429.]"

2313. "Non-combatants, wounded soldiers, and prisoners must be respected and treated humanely. Actions deliberately contrary to the law of nations and to its universal principles are crimes, as are the orders that command such actions. Blind obedience does not suffice to excuse those who carry them out. Thus the extermination of a people, nation, or ethnic minority must be condemned as a mortal sin. One is morally bound to resist orders that command genocide. "

2447. "The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities.[Cf. Isa 58:6-7 ; Heb 13:3.] Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.[Cf. Mt 25:31-46 .]

Here is a talk about prisoners given by Pope John Paul II during Jubilee Year 2000. (And don't forget the forgiveness he showed in visiting the prisoner who had tried to kill him.)

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jgecik@desc.dla.mil), April 25, 2001.