Italian prisoners use lunch with Pope as chance to escape

The two men, who were being held in a rehabilitation facility for drug addicts and prisoners, were reportedly among 20 prisoners who were due to meet Francis on October 1st.

They disappeared either just before or just after the lunch and have not been seen since, according to reports that local authorities have not confirmed or denied.

Francis has made mercy one of the themes of his papacy and regularly meets prisoners on his trips outside the Vatican.