Women inmates at Lima’s Chorrillos Women’s Prison are sewing dolls and jewellery featuring Pope Leo XIV ahead of his planned visit to Peru in November.
The project involves 78 inmates who are producing velvet dolls, bracelets and necklaces as part of Peru’s “productive prisons” programme. The items are sold outside the prison, with proceeds helping support the women’s reintegration into society and their families.
The handmade dolls sell for about $9, while other prisoners work on more elaborate bracelets and necklaces. For some of the women, the workshop provides an opportunity to learn new skills and earn income while serving their sentences.
The project also has a personal significance for the inmates. Pope Leo, born Robert Prevost in the United States, holds Peruvian citizenship and spent decades in the country as a missionary and bishop before becoming pope in May 2025.
The women hope the pope will visit their prison during his trip and give them a blessing. His South American tour is scheduled for November 6 to 17, with Peru as the final stop after visits to Uruguay and Argentina.
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