Pope Francis made a poignant gesture of humility and service during Holy Week as he visited a prison in Rome on Holy Thursday, March 28. This visit included a symbolic foot-washing ceremony, a tradition observed during Easter’s Holy Week.
Reflecting on the biblical account of Jesus washing the feet of his 12 apostles at the Last Supper before his crucifixion, Pope Francis carried out a similar act of humility during the mass, washing the feet of 12 female prisoners representing different nationalities.
The significance of this ritual lies in its emphasis on service and humility, echoing Jesus’ teachings of selfless love and compassion. Notably, it was the first time Pope Francis had dedicated this annual ritual solely to women, underlining the importance of inclusivity and recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of women.
Despite his advanced age of 87, Pope Francis, aided by a wheelchair, personally performed the foot-washing ritual. The arrangement of stools allowed him to maneuver easily, symbolizing his commitment to reaching out to those in need.
In his address during the ceremony, Pope Francis emphasized the universal experience of human frailty and the ever-present opportunity for redemption. He reminded the gathered prisoners that despite their failures, they are always welcomed by the forgiving embrace of the divine.
This act of humility and compassion is consistent with Pope Francis’s past actions, as he has previously visited prisons and marginalized communities to express solidarity and perform acts of service.
The Pope’s visit to Rebibbia prison left a profound impact, evident in the gifts he received from the inmates—a basket of vegetables from the prison garden and two liturgical stoles embroidered by the prisoners.
Continuing with the Holy Week observances, Pope Francis is scheduled to participate in the Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum on Friday evening. On Saturday, he will preside over the Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica, leading into Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where he will address global conflicts and humanitarian crises affecting humanity.
