Pope Francis, known for his advocacy for compassion towards prisoners, performed a humble act of washing the feet of 12 incarcerated women in Rome on Thursday, a customary rite observed on Holy Thursday before Easter.
Visiting the Rebibbia women’s prison in Rome’s northeastern outskirts, the Argentinian Jesuit pontiff, who had previously conducted the same rite at the facility in 2015, dedicated this year’s ritual solely to women for the first time, the AFP reported.
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Seated in a wheelchair, 87-year-old Pope Francis tenderly washed the feet of each prisoner, some visibly moved to tears, before drying them with a towel and bestowing a kiss upon them.
In an impromptu homily during a mass held in the prison courtyard, Pope Francis spoke of forgiveness, acknowledging human imperfections, and emphasized the ever-welcoming nature of the Lord.
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He described the act of washing feet as a symbol of service, reflecting on his own experiences as a priest in Buenos Aires, where he initiated visits to prisoners.
Earlier, the pope greeted the inmates with warmth and smiles, engaging in handshakes and conversations.
Last month, Pope Francis battled a flu, necessitating the cancellation of some public engagements. During his recovery, he relied on others to deliver his speeches.
Holy Thursday in the Christian tradition marks the occasion when Jesus washed the feet of his apostles during the Last Supper. It holds significance during Holy Week, which commemorates Christ’s final days leading up to his resurrection on Easter.
Throughout his papacy since 2013, Pope Francis has made it a point to visit prisons and refugee centers, continuing the tradition of humility and service. Last year, he washed the feet of 12 young men at a juvenile detention center on Holy Thursday.
On Good Friday, he is scheduled to preside over the “Way of the Cross” prayer service at Rome’s Coliseum, an event he had missed last year due to illness.
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