Pope visits Bolivia's most dangerous prison

Santa Cruz de la Sierra 

Pope Francis ventured today into a violent, overcrowded and gang-ridden Bolivian prison that even houses small children living with their parents, and urged inmates not to despair.

If other events on the pope's three-nation tour of South America were joyous ones -- million-strong crowds of worshippers singing and praising the pontiff -- the trip to Bolivia's most dangerous prison was arguably a humbling descent into hell.

It seemed a fitting stop on a tour that has centered largely on drawing attention to the plight of the poor and marginalized -- one of the 78-year-old pope's cherished themes.

The pontiff, who specifically requested the visit to the Palmasola prison, stood before a crowd of inmates and their families and said they were probably wondering who he was. With some, he exchanged kisses and hugs.

"The man standing before you is a man who has experienced forgiveness. A man who was, and is, saved from his many sins," said the Argentine-born Francis, the first pope from Latin America.

"That is who I am. I don't have much more to give you or to offer you, but I want to share with you what I do have and what I love. It is Jesus Christ," the pope said.