Pope to visit:

Benedict XVI plans to visit the Casal del Marmo detention center for minors in Rome.

News of the upcoming March 18 visit was announced today by Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office.

It will be Benedict XVI’s first visit to a prison since his papal election. Thus he will follow in the steps of Popes John XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II.

John Paul II visited the same correctional institution in 1980.