Pope Francis Dedicates Holy Thursday to Incarcerated Women

Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of incarcerated women during the Holy Thursday ceremony before Easter in Rome.

Pope Francis visited a prison on the outskirts of the northeastern suburbs of the capital on Thursday, March 28, having also been present at the same prison in 2015. However, for the first time, he dedicated this sacred ceremony exclusively to women. During this traditional ceremony, Pope Francis, the leader of Catholics worldwide, washed and dried the feet of the incarcerated women and in some cases even kissed their feet.

Holy Thursday commemorates the day when Jesus Christ washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper, symbolizing the necessity for leaders to serve. This ceremony is a symbol of humility and modesty of leaders. By performing this act, the Pope emphasizes the necessity of serving those who are marginalized in society or considered sinners by others.

While washing the feet of 12 incarcerated women and drying them, Pope Francis delivered remarks saying: “We all make small and large mistakes in life, but the Lord always awaits us with open arms and never tires of forgiveness.”