Those who cannot make a pilgrimage because of age, illness or other barriers may receive the indulgence by living their sickness and suffering “as an experience of closeness with the Lord” in his Passion, death and Resurrection, Pope Francis said. They are encouraged to pray and receive Communion, if possible, or participate in Mass, even a Mass that is televised or online.

Those in prison “who have become conscious of the injustice they worked and sincerely wish to re-enter society and make their honest contribution to it” may obtain the indulgence in the chapels of their prisons, the pope said. He recommended that prisoners recall and pray to God the Father each time they cross the threshold of their cells, signifying for them “their passage through the Holy Door.”