During a Holy Thursday ritual at a Rome prison, Pope Francis demonstrated his commitment to service and humility by washing and kissing the feet of 12 female prisoners.
Despite his mobility problems, the 87-year-old pontiff performed the ritual from his wheelchair, with the prison venue specially arranged to accommodate his needs.
As he moved down the line, Francis gently washed each woman’s foot, drying it with a small towel and concluding the gesture with a kiss.
This annual foot-washing ceremony, which originated from Jesus washing the feet of his apostles, has been transformed by Francis to include women and people of other faiths.
By visiting prisons, refugee centers, and youth detention facilities, the Pope aims to emphasize the importance of serving those on the margins of society. In his impromptu homily, Francis explained the significance of this symbolic act.
“Jesus humiliates himself,” Francis said. “With this gesture, he makes us understand what he had said: ‘I am not here to be served, but to serve.’”
“He teaches us the path of service,” Francis said.
Francis appeared in good shape at the prison, even after presiding over a long Mass earlier in the day in St. Peter’s Basilica.
During the morning liturgy, he delivered a lengthy homily with a set of marching orders to Rome-based priests at the start of a busy few days leading to Easter.
