Pope Francis performed the Holy Thursday ritual of washing and kissing the feet of 12 women inmates at a Rome prison, emphasizing his commitment to service and humility. The 87-year-old pontiff, facing mobility challenges due to recent ailments, carried out the ritual from his wheelchair. The venue at Rebibbia prison was specially arranged to accommodate his needs, with the women seated on stools on a raised platform for easy access.
During the ceremony, many of the women were moved to tears as Pope Francis washed their feet, pouring water over each foot and gently patting it dry with a small towel. He concluded the gesture by kissing each foot, often sharing a smile with the recipient. The Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony is a symbolic reenactment of Jesus washing the feet of his 12 apostles at the Last Supper before his crucifixion.
Pope Francis has been known for revolutionizing this ritual by including women and individuals of other faiths since his papacy began in 2013. He has consistently visited prisons, refugee centers, and youth detention facilities to underscore the importance of serving marginalized communities. In his impromptu homily during the ceremony, Francis highlighted the significance of humility and service in the Christian faith.
Despite recent health challenges, Pope Francis appeared in good spirits during the prison visit, following a lengthy Mass earlier in the day at St. Peter's Basilica. He received gifts from the inmates, including vegetables from the prison garden and embroidered liturgical stoles. In return, he gifted a framed image of the Madonna and a large chocolate Easter egg to the inmates' families.
As the Easter weekend approaches, Pope Francis is set to preside over various ceremonies, including the Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum on Friday, Easter Vigil on Saturday, and Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. His schedule also includes delivering the traditional Urbi et Orbi address, focusing on global conflicts and humanitarian crises affecting the world.
