In Rome, Pope Francis engaged in a solemn Holy Thursday custom, washing and bestowing kisses upon the feet of twelve female inmates in a local prison. This ritual serves to underscore his commitment to servitude and humility.

At the age of 87, Francis executed the ceremony while seated in his wheelchair, navigating recent health challenges that have hindered his mobility. The setting at Rebibbia prison was adjusted to accommodate his needs; the women were seated on raised stools, allowing the pontiff to maneuver effortlessly along the line without exerting himself.

Tears welled in the eyes of many women as Francis tenderly cleansed their feet, delicately pouring water over each bared foot and gently drying them with a small towel. Each act concluded with a reverent kiss upon their feet, often accompanied by a comforting smile directed towards the recipient.

The Holy Thursday foot-washing observance, a tradition during Holy Week, commemorates the act performed by Jesus on his twelve apostles during their last supper prior to his crucifixion.

Francis brought innovation to this tradition upon assuming the papacy in 2013, insisting on including women and individuals of diverse faiths among the twelve participants. Previously, the ritual had been reserved for Catholic men within a Roman basilica.

Emphasizing his belief in a priest’s duty to serve the marginalized, Francis has made it a yearly practice to visit prisons, refugee centers, and youth detention facilities. In his impromptu homily, he elucidated the significance of the gesture, stating, “Jesus humbles himself… He teaches us the path of service.”

Despite presiding over an extensive Mass earlier in the day at St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis appeared robust during his visit to the prison. While delivering a lengthy homily during the morning liturgy, he provided guidance to Rome-based priests for the upcoming busy days leading to Easter.

Suffering from respiratory issues throughout the winter, Francis has recently delegated the reading of his remarks to an aide to alleviate strain. On Palm Sunday, he refrained from delivering a homily altogether.

Nevertheless, Francis displayed vigor during his visit to Rebibbia prison, where he received gifts including vegetables cultivated in the prison garden and two intricately embroidered liturgical stoles crafted by the inmates.

In return, Francis presented a framed image of the Madonna, expressing that he immediately thought of the women at Rebibbia upon receiving it. Additionally, he bestowed a large chocolate Easter egg upon the young son of one of the inmates.

With Holy Thursday concluded, Francis faces a demanding schedule ahead. On Friday evening, he is slated to journey to the Colosseum for the Way of the Cross procession, reenacting Christ’s crucifixion. Saturday evening will see him presiding over the Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by Easter Sunday Mass in the piazza, culminating in his midday Urbi et Orbi address, addressing global conflicts and calamities affecting humanity.