Historic foot-washing ceremony at Rome prison focuses solely on women
In a profoundly symbolic gesture breaking centuries-old traditions, Pope Francis resorted to foot-washing women during the Holy Thursday service at Rebibbia prison on the outskirts of Rome. This historic decision by the 87-year-old pontiff, aimed at emphasizing service and humility, marks the first occasion in which a pope has exclusively performed the foot-washing ritual on women during the annual ceremony.
The ceremony, deeply rooted in Christian tradition to emulate Jesus Christ’s act of washing his disciples’ feet before his crucifixion, typically involves a diverse group of participants. However, this year, Pope Francis focused solely on women inmates, an act underscoring his commitment to inclusivity and service. The emotional scene unfolded as the pontiff, despite recent health challenges and mobility issues, personally washed and kissed the feet of 12 women, many of whom were visibly moved by the gesture.
Pope Francis’s decision to hold this year’s foot-washing ceremony at the Rebibbia female prison, a facility that had never before been visited by a pope, further highlights his dedication to reaching out to the marginalized and overlooked segments of society. The prison, which houses 360 inmates and one child, became the setting for this unprecedented act of papal humility.
The inclusion of women in the foot-washing ritual is not new to Pope Francis’s tenure. Early in his papacy, he amended church rules to officially allow women’s participation, a change that faced resistance within the Vatican. His predecessors, including Benedict XVI, had traditionally washed the feet of men or priests, making Francis’s inclusive practices particularly notable.
This latest gesture comes at a time when Pope Francis has faced health challenges, including recent hospitalizations and bouts of illness, which have led to modifications in his public appearances and duties. Despite these challenges, his commitment to the Holy Week ceremonies, a pivotal time in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter, remains unwavering.
Pope Francis’s unique focus on women during this year’s Holy Thursday service not only reinforces his message of service and humility but also represents a significant step towards acknowledging and elevating the roles of women within the context of the church and society at large.
