Pope washes feet of 12 women in Rome jail, meets other prisoners

Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of 12 female prisoners in a Rome prison during a ‘Holy Thursday’ ritual to emphasize service and humility. Pope Francis (87) completed this ritual while sitting in a wheelchair.

In Rebibiya prison the women sat on stools on a raised platform so that the Pope could easily perform the ritual from a wheelchair. When Francis washed the women’s feet they cried. The Pope gently poured water on his foot and patted it dry with a small towel. He completed the ritual by kissing each foot.

During this he looked at the woman smiling. Earlier, a visibly healthy Francis led ‘Holy Thursday’ prayers at St Peter’s Basilica. After this he visited the jail and washed the feet of the women prisoners.

Pope Francis was suffering from respiratory disease recently. But he looked healthy at the morning prayer meeting and addressed the people. In his address, Francis called on priests to stay away from ‘hypocrisy’.

Along with this, he told the priests that whatever advice they give to the common people, they should follow it in their spiritual life also and there should be no difference between the two.

The Pope has a very busy schedule from Good Friday (29 March) to Easter (31 March). Various programs organized during this period start on Thursday itself.

Disclaimer: IndiaTheNews has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.

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