Pope Francis' Foot Washing: A Holy Thursday Tradition Explained
Could a simple act of washing feet truly embody a message of profound humility and forgiveness? Pope Francis, through his actions, demonstrates that it emphatically can, and has done so consistently throughout his papacy.
The tradition of foot washing, a practice rooted in the Gospels, is performed by Pope Francis to express what living a life of self-emptying love looks like in imitation of the Lord who emptied himself for us. He has chosen to celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper at prisons and detention facilities, and to wash the feet of inmates. This practice, a cornerstone of his papacy, has become a powerful symbol of his commitment to the marginalized and a visible demonstration of the Christian values of service and humility. In a time where the Church has faced great challenges, the pope's actions speak louder than words and offer hope to those who have been forgotten or cast aside. The act of washing the feet, like Jesus washing his disciples' feet, including the feet of those who might be considered least, is a radical gesture, a physical embodiment of spiritual ideals.
This year, on March 28, 2024, at the Rebibbia Women's Prison in Rome, Pope Francis celebrated the evening mass of the Lord's Supper under a tent set up outside. Despite facing health and mobility issues, he participated in the ceremony, washing the feet of twelve female inmates. This gesture, performed with a deep sense of reverence, underscored the Popes unwavering commitment to those often overlooked by society.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine, Vatican City citizen |
| Education | Master's degree in Chemistry, Philosophy, Theology |
| Ordained Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordained Bishop | June 28, 1992 |
| Created Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Predecessor | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Residences | Vatican City |
| Key Initiatives | Emphasis on social justice, environmental concerns, and interfaith dialogue. Reformed Vatican finances, addressed the clergy sex abuse crisis. |
| Notable Writings | Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home), Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) |
| Website | Vatican Website - Pope Francis |
The locations for this act of service have varied, from the Rebibbia Women's Prison to the Casal del Marmo juvenile detention center on Romes outskirts. In each setting, the message remains the same: God's forgiveness is boundless. Before washing the feet of the inmates, Pope Francis reminded them, and all present, that God never tires of forgiving anyone who seeks it.
This tradition, initiated during his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, was continued and expanded upon after his election in 2013. He set aside the usual practice of the papal foot washing of twelve priests, opting instead to include a more diverse group, including women and people of other faiths. This move represented a significant shift, one that underscored his desire to break down barriers and embrace inclusivity within the Church. Francis revolutionized the ritual for the Vatican by insisting on this shift from his very first Holy Thursday as Pope.
The inclusion of women in the foot-washing ceremony was a groundbreaking step. Pope Francis, changed the rules to allow women to be included in the foot washing on Holy Thursday, which at that time was already happening in many places. The act not only challenges traditional interpretations, it also signifies the importance of recognizing the dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of their gender or background. In 2016, Pope Francis changed the Roman Missal to permit the washing of the feet of women, and himself washed the feet of migrant men and women from various faiths, further emphasizing the universal message of love and service.
The selection of inmates for this sacred act is deliberate. During a Holy Thursday ritual, he is seen assuring them of their dignity and showing them that Christ came to be a servant to all. He has washed and kissed the feet of 12 women inmates, reinforcing his vocation of service and humility. He has also washed and kissed the feet of young men and women, inmates at the Casal del Marmo juvenile detention center. These gestures are not mere rituals; they are living parables, illustrating the core tenets of Christian faith.
The act, which takes place on the Thursday before Easter, holds deep symbolic meaning. The foot washing is a reenactment of the Gospel account where Jesus washed his disciples feet, showing them that he came to serve, not to be served. The physical act of washing, wiping, and kissing the feet of others particularly those who are often marginalized or forgotten is a powerful demonstration of humility and a commitment to service. As the Holy Father says, it is a symbol of the love which breaks real chains, the spiritual chains of isolation, despair, and judgement that imprison the human spirit. It's a potent symbol that speaks to the heart.
In the context of a prison setting, the act takes on even greater significance. For inmates, the act of the Pope washing their feet is a tangible expression of the Church's commitment to reconciliation, forgiveness, and rehabilitation. They are reminded that they are not defined by their past mistakes, but are seen by God with compassion. This ritual serves as a reminder of the enduring power of Gods mercy.
The Holy Father's decision to include a broader representation of the people of God in the foot-washing ceremony, as decreed by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, reinforces the universality of the Churchs message. The opportunity to participate in the ceremony is no longer restricted. The practice has been modified to lawfully permit a wider representation of the people of God to take part. This inclusivity is a clear message that the Church welcomes all, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status.
The act of washing the feet also serves as a call to action for the wider Church community. It challenges believers to embrace humility, to serve one another, and to seek out those on the margins of society. It is a reminder that true greatness is found not in power or prestige, but in service to others. This act invites all Christians to reflect on their own lives, to examine their own prejudices, and to commit to serving those in need. It underscores the importance of demonstrating the faith through actions.
The Popes actions also stand in stark contrast to the injustices that many incarcerated individuals have faced. As the story in the article mentions, if Pope Francis had only washed the feet of males, what would that have signified for the young women prisoners? Their presence and their plight is a consideration of the Pope's act, for many of these women are likely in prison after suffering the abuse of men.
These are all reminders that the act of foot-washing, as practiced by Pope Francis, is more than a tradition; it is a profound act of love, mercy, and solidarity. Its a call to look beyond societal labels and to see the inherent dignity in every human being. It is a message of hope in a world that often feels lost, a reminder that even in the darkest of places, there is the promise of forgiveness, healing, and renewal.
The act of foot washing expresses what living a life of self-emptying love looks like, in imitation of the Lord who emptied himself for us. The Popes actions are not only symbolic but represent his vocation of service. Pope Francis, throughout his papacy, has continued a Holy Thursday practice he began as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is setting aside the usual practice and celebrating the Mass of the Lords Supper at a prison or detention facility. The pope has offered a sign of hope and reconciliation, to those who are often forgotten by society.
