Pope Francis, known for his plea for compassion towards prisoners, performed a ritual of washing the feet of 12 incarcerated women in Rome on Holy Thursday before Easter. The Argentinian Jesuit visited the Rebibbia women’s prison in the northeastern outskirts of the Italian capital for the same rite he conducted in 2015. This year 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 washed the feet of each prisoner, some moved to tears, gently drying them with a towel and offering a kiss.
During a mass in the prison courtyard, with about 370 women in attendance, the pope delivered an impromptu homily reflecting on the theme of forgiveness. He emphasized that everyone experiences failures, small or big, but God’s forgiveness is ever-present, emphasizing the importance of being welcomed with open arms by the Lord. This act of foot-washing, according to Francis, symbolizes the call to a life of service, a core value in the Christian faith.
Ahead of this gesture, Pope Francis interacted warmly with the inmates, exchanging smiles and shaking hands. Last month, he faced health challenges due to a flu, prompting him to reschedule some public engagements. In his recovery period, he had others read his speeches at public events. Holy Thursday, in the Christian calendar, holds significance as it commemorates the occasion when Jesus washed his apostles’ feet at the Last Supper, setting an example of humble service.
Since assuming the papacy in 2013, Pope Francis has made numerous visits to prisons and refugee centers, underscoring themes of mercy and compassion. Last year on Holy Thursday, he visited a juvenile detention center, where he washed the feet of 12 young men. On Good Friday, he is scheduled to lead the “Way of the Cross” prayer service at the Coliseum in Rome, an event he had to miss last year due to a bronchial infection.
