San Michéle, the first protectory for youth, was founded at Rome in 1704 by Pope Clement XI. When John Howard, the English prison reformer (1726–90), visited the institution, he read above the entrance this inscription: "Clement XI, Supreme Pontiff, for the reformation and education of criminal youths, to the end that those who when idle had been injurious to the State, might, when better instructed and trained, become useful to it.
San Michéle, the first institution dedicated to protecting youth, was founded in Rome in 1704 by Pope Clement XI. John Howard, an English prison reformer (1726–90), visited the facility and read this inscription: "Clement XI, Supreme Pontiff, for the reformation and education of criminal youths, to the end that those who had been idle and harmful to the State might become useful citizens after being better educated."