Pope Francis, seated in a wheelchair, tenderly washed the feet of 12 incarcerated women in Rome on Holy Thursday, a tradition marking the lead-up to Easter. The Pope, known for his calls for compassion towards prisoners, visited the Rebibbia women’s prison on the outskirts of Rome, repeating a similar rite he performed in 2015 but this time solely dedicated to women.
With some of the prisoners moved to tears, Pope Francis washed their feet one by one, drying them with a towel and offering kisses of solace. Addressing the gathering of around 370 women in an impromptu homily during a courtyard mass, the 87-year-old pontiff spoke of forgiveness, emphasizing that despite our failures, the Lord is always ready to embrace us.
Reflecting on the significance of the foot-washing ritual, Pope Francis underscored the call to serve others, a theme he has embraced since his days as a priest in Buenos Aires, where he frequently visited prisoners. Prior to the foot-washing, the Pope warmly interacted with inmates, exchanging smiles and handshakes.
Recently recovering from a bout of flu, Pope Francis has asked others to read his speeches during public appearances. Holy Thursday, marking Christ’s act of washing the apostles’ feet at the Last Supper, holds special significance in the Christian calendar, signaling the beginning of Holy Week leading up to Easter.
Known for his commitment to outreach, Pope Francis has made it a tradition to visit prisons and refugee centers. Last year, he washed the feet of young men at a juvenile detention center on Holy Thursday. On Good Friday, he is scheduled to lead the “Way of the Cross” prayer service at Rome’s Coliseum, an event he missed last year due to illness.
