The Nome Nugget

Rome Prison Scene of Papal Holiday Visit
By RICHARD EHRMAN

ROME, (P) -- Rome's grubby but celestially named prison on the Tiber unrolled a rented red rug today to welcome Pope John XXIII - the first Pontiff in modern history to visit a jail.

The directors of Regina Coeli Queen of Heaven - jail also took a few precautions, such as sprinkling a few plainsclothesmen among the prisoners.

"You could not come to see me," said the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, "so it is right that I come to you."

The 1,500 prisoners, most of whom were permitted to look upon the Pope from their four floors of cells, cheered lustily and rhythmically, "Viva Il Papa!, Viva Il Papa!"

They chanted so loud and long, ignoring guards' orders to stop, that one guard shouted "shut up."

Superintendent Carmine Scalia called an aide and whispered: "Remind the guard that they are to follow today's instructions. They must act sweetly."

Pope John made a quick visit to the jail's infirmary and to one wing of cells. He stopped frequently to slip his hand through the bars so prisoners could kiss his ring.

Later it was announced that Pope John had given prison authorities several million lire to buy Christmas presents for Regina Coeli's inmates another first.

A million lire is worth $1,600.