Story Highlights
- This ritual commemorates Jesus’ act of humility towards his apostles during the Last Supper on the night before his crucifixion.
- Pope Francis on Thursday (Mar 28) washed and kissed the feet of 12 women prisoners as part of a traditional ritual ahead of Easter.
The Ritual at Rebibbia Prison
To perform the ritual, the pontiff traveled to Rome’s Rebibbia prison, located in a run-down area on Rome’s outskirts. There, he presided over a Holy Thursday Mass for dozens of inmates, guards, chaplains, and officials gathered in an outdoor area of the female section.
Significance of the Ritual
According to Reuters, this ritual commemorates Jesus’ act of humility towards his apostles during the Last Supper on the night before his crucifixion. The ritual, known as Pedelavium or Pedilavium, is followed by various Christian denominations.
Pope Francis’ Approach
Francis is the first pope to hold the ceremony outside churches and to include women, atheists, Muslims, and other non-Christians in the service. Previously, the ceremony was held in St. Peter’s Basilica or the Basilica of St. John in Lateran, including only men, usually priests.
Pope’s Outreach
In continuation of his practice, Pope Francis typically holds the ceremony in prisons, homes for the elderly, or hospices, a tradition he began when he was archbishop of Buenos Aires.
Pope’s Gesture and Message
The pope, sitting in his wheelchair, washed and kissed the right foot of 12 women prisoners. Many of the prisoners, including foreigners, were moved to tears by the gesture. Despite recent health concerns, Pope Francis seemed fit during the ceremony and delivered a sermon on the theme of service to others.
