Dozens of female inmates at the Chorrillos women’s prison in Lima, Peru, are finding renewed hope and financial independence by handcrafting hyperrealistic dolls, t-shirts, rosaries, and bracelets inspired by Pope Leo XIV. Organized through the national “Productive Prisons” program, the initiative engages roughly 290 incarcerated women across various workshops, blending practical vocational training with spiritual motivation.
The idea to produce merchandise featuring Pope Leo XIV emerged in 2025 following the election of the former Cardinal Robert Prevost. The U.S.-born Pontiff holds a deep connection to Peru, having spent many years serving there in pastoral ministry and as the Bishop of Chiclayo. Items crafted in the workshop are sold through the Productive Prisons retail store in downtown Lima, with prices reaching up to $10.
For many participants, the daily labor serves as a vital coping mechanism and a source of emotional strength. Inmates like Yulissa Bazalar and Zuly Cabanillas highlight that learning new trades keeps their minds productively occupied while bolstering their faith to overcome adversity. The figure of the Pope stands as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience as they navigate their daily lives behind bars.
Beyond the spiritual and psychological benefits, the program provides tangible financial support for the women and their families. Participating inmates earn an income from the sale of their goods, with 20% of the overall proceeds systematically directed toward paying court-ordered restitution and compensating victims for the damages caused by their crimes.