Pope, looking strong, washes feet of 12 women at Rome prison from his wheelchair

Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of 12 women inmates at a Rome prison during a Holy Thursday ritual, emphasizing his commitment to service and humility.

The 87-year-old Pope carried out the ritual from his wheelchair, given recent ailments that have affected his mobility. The Rebibbia prison adapted its setup to accommodate his needs, with the women seated on stools on a raised platform. This arrangement allowed the Pope to move down the line effortlessly from his wheelchair without exerting himself.

As Francis washed their feet, many of the women were moved to tears. He delicately poured water over each bared foot and gently dried it with a small towel before kissing it, often smiling at the woman before him.

The Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony is a symbolic act recalling Jesus washing the feet of his apostles at their last supper before his crucifixion.

Francis transformed this tradition by including women and individuals of different faiths among the 12 participants, a departure from previous popes who limited the ritual to Catholic men in a Rome basilica.

Each year, Francis visits a prison, refugee center, or youth detention facility to underscore his belief in serving those on the margins. In a brief impromptu homily, he explained the significance of the gesture, highlighting Jesus' humility and teaching on service.

“Jesus humiliates himself,” Francis said. “With this gesture, he makes us understand what he had said: ‘I am not here to be served, but to serve.’ He teaches us the path of service.”

Despite a long Mass earlier in the day, Francis seemed energized during his visit to the prison. He received gifts from the inmates—a basket of vegetables from the prison garden and two embroidered liturgical stoles.

In return, Francis gifted a framed image of the Madonna, expressing that he immediately thought of the women at Rebibbia upon receiving it. He also gave a large chocolate Easter egg to the young son of one of the inmates.

Following Holy Thursday, Francis has a busy schedule ahead, including the Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum on Friday, the Easter Vigil on Saturday, and Easter Sunday Mass, culminating with his Urbi et Orbi address highlighting global issues.