When we talk about prison, often in our society a unanimous chorus emerges: “They made a mistake, they must pay.” This seemingly simple phrase hides a deep conception of justice as pure retribution. The recent case of banning refrigerators in cells in some Italian prisons has reignited the debate: is it right to deprive prisoners of a so-called superfluous item? Or is there a risk that punishment becomes a mere tool of affliction, forgetting the rehabilitative purpose that the Constitution itself establishes?
The Bible offers a different perspective. In the book of the prophet Ezekiel, God declares: “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23, NIV). This provocative question challenges us as Christians: is our idea of justice aligned with the heart of God, who desires conversion and life, or does it stop at simple punishment?
Ancient Roots of Punishment and the Christian Newness
The logic of “paying with suffering” is as old as humanity. Already in the educational institutions of ancient Greece, the principle of reward and punishment was applied to shape citizens. However, Christ’s message introduced a revolution: forgiveness and mercy are not weakness, but the highest path for the transformation of the human heart.
Jesus himself, in the Gospel of Matthew, invites us not to judge: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-2, NIV). This does not mean abolishing justice, but elevating it to a higher level, where punishment is not an end in itself, but a tool for reparation and growth.
Suffering That Educates and Suffering That Humiliates
Not all suffering has educational value. The deprivation of a refrigerator, the reduction of phone calls, prolonged isolation: are these the pains that make us better? Christian reflection distinguishes between suffering that, lived with awareness, can lead to self-examination and change, and suffering that is mere humiliation and risks hardening the heart.
Saint Paul, in his letter to the Romans, writes: “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Romans 8:26, NIV). Even the prisoner, in isolation, can be visited by the Spirit who groans and intercedes. But for this to happen, punishment must not crush the person, but leave room for hope.
The Role of the Church and Prison Chaplains
Prison chaplains are often on the front lines, testifying that every person, even those who have committed the most serious crimes, retains inviolable dignity. In February 2024, the chaplains of Lombardy wrote a letter against circulars that limited freedom of movement within institutions. More recently, in 2025, they opposed a circular that further restricted activities and outside entries.
Their cry is not against justice, but against a justice that forgets mercy. As the Psalm says: “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10, NKJV). True justice cannot do without mercy; otherwise, it becomes a mask of vengeance.
Toward a Justice That Redeems
The challenge for society and the Church is to imagine a prison system that does not merely guard bodies, but opens possibilities for redemption. This means ensuring spaces for education, work, spiritual formation, and the maintenance of emotional bonds. The refrigerator may seem like a detail, but it symbolizes the difference between a detention that humiliates and one that respects human dignity.
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