Pope Francis, known for his calls for compassion towards prisoners, performed a symbolic act of humility by washing the feet of 12 incarcerated women in Rome on Thursday, as part of the Holy Thursday rituals leading up to Easter.
The Pope, who visited the Rebibbia women’s prison in Rome’s northeastern outskirts, had previously conducted a similar ritual there in 2015. However, this marked the first time the 87-year-old pontiff dedicated this annual tradition during Holy Week specifically to women.
Seated in a wheelchair, Pope Francis tenderly washed the feet of each prisoner, some visibly moved to tears, before drying them with a towel and kissing them. In an impromptu sermon during a mass held in the prison courtyard, he reminded everyone of the universality of human fallibility and the enduring forgiveness of God.
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“The Lord is always waiting for us, with open arms, and he never tires of forgiving,” said the Pope.
Francis emphasized the significance of the foot-washing ritual as a symbol of service, reflecting on his own past experiences visiting prisoners in Buenos Aires even before he became Pope.
Earlier, he greeted the inmates with smiles and handshakes. Last month, the Pope had contracted a flu, leading to the cancellation of some public engagements. During his recovery, he had others read his speeches on several occasions.
Holy Thursday, in Christian tradition, commemorates Jesus washing the feet of his apostles at the Last Supper. It marks the beginning of the Holy Week leading up to Easter, celebrating Christ’s resurrection.
Since assuming the papacy in 2013, Pope Francis has made a point of visiting prisons and refugee centers, demonstrating his commitment to serving the marginalized. Last year, on Holy Thursday, he washed the feet of 12 young men at a juvenile detention center.
On Good Friday, he is scheduled to preside over the “Way of the Cross” prayer service at Rome’s Coliseum, an event he missed last year due to illness.
