Prisoners in Portugal construct confessionals in advance of Pope Francis's visit.

Tiago Espanhol, a fraudster, has been incarcerated for just over two years as of April 17 (Reuters). He still has two and a half years before being released, but he claims that the construction of confessionals for Pope Francis' summer visit to Portugal is shortening that period of time.

"We pass our time and it's good for us," the 38-year-old said as he gave the final touches to a chair at the prison's carpentry workshop. "Working is better for us - at least to see if we can go home as soon as possible."

The pope and young Catholics will come together in the "Park of Forgiveness" in Lisbon, which will house 150 confessionals constructed by inmates at three Portuguese prisons.

Confessional facilities may facilitate inmates' reintegration into society and shorten their sentences, according to the organizers. The majority of the work performed by inmates, who are paid 5 euros per day, is maintenance-related.

Inmates may be able to develop their skills and increase their income by investing in modernizing the workshops and signing contracts with private businesses.

The prison director said it was "important for people to know that positive things are also done inside prisons".