During a Holy Thursday Mass, Pope Francis demonstrated a remarkable act of humility by washing and kissing the feet of 12 women inmates at a Rome prison. Despite recent ailments exacerbating his mobility issues, the 87-year-old pontiff performed the ritual from his wheelchair. The women, seated on stools on a raised platform at the Rebibbia prison venue, allowed the pope to move down the line effortlessly, sparing him any physical strain.
As Francis washed their feet, gently pouring water over each bared foot and patting it dry with a small towel, many of the women were moved to tears. His compassionate gesture was completed with a kiss on each foot, often accompanied by a warm smile directed towards the recipient.
The Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony holds deep significance, echoing the act of Jesus washing the feet of his 12 apostles during their last supper together before his crucifixion. Traditionally, popes had limited this ritual to Catholic men in a Rome basilica. However, Pope Francis has revolutionized the tradition by including women and individuals of other faiths since his very first Holy Thursday as pope in 2013.
Under Francis’ leadership, the foot-washing ceremony has extended beyond Vatican grounds, reaching prisoners, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. Throughout the years, he has washed the feet of women and Muslims, highlighting his commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
Notably, this act marks a historic moment, as it is believed to be the first time a pope has exclusively washed the feet of women during the ceremony. Nadia Fontana, the director of the female prison in Rome where the event occurred, expressed that it was the first time a pope had visited their facility, which houses 360 prisoners and one child.
