Pope Francis traveled to Venice on Sunday, marking his first trip outside Rome in seven months.

During the six-hour-long visit, he became the first pontiff to attend the Venice Biennale, a major contemporary art event.

The Argentine pontiff flew directly by helicopter from the Vatican to a women's prison on Giudecca Island, where the Vatican had set up its Biennale exhibition. The 60th edition of the Venice Biennale opened on April 20 and runs until November 24.

Pope Francis meets inmates, visit exhibition

The exhibition the pope visited is titled "Through My Eyes," which showcases works from nine contemporary artists who worked closely with prison inmates.

"Let us not forget that we all have mistakes to be forgiven and wounds to heal," he said in a speech at the prison following a meeting with some inmates.

The exhibition's lead curator, Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, said the first papal visit to the Venice Biennale was a "historic moment." 

According to Chiara Parisi, a curator on the project that focuses on human rights, there was "huge wonder" and "hope" among the inmates regarding the pope's visit.

The trip highlighted those in society "who are keen to play a role even when they are in a very difficult situation," she said.

Pope says his 'work is not easy'

Later, the pope celebrated Mass at St. Mark's Basilica with thousands in attendance. 

To let the pontiff easily reach St. Mark's Square situated in the heart of Venice, workers erected a pontoon bridge spanning the Grand
Canal.

He was driven across, watched by hundreds of onlookers on land and in boats and gondolas.

"Please pray for me because this work is not easy," he told thousands of faithful gathered in St Mark's Square.

Sunday's trip to Venice is the first time the pope has traveled since his visit to Marseille in September.

The 87-year-old has had several health issues that recently forced him to cancel travel plans to Dubai in December.

In March, Pope Francis skipped the traditional Good Friday  procession in Rome for health reasons.

The pontiff has a packed schedule coming up with trips to Verona in May, Bari in June and Trieste in July.

In September, he is set to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore over 12 days.

ss/sms (AFP, Reuters, dpa)