Celebrate Maundy Thursday, Pope Francis Washes 12 Feet Of Prisoners In Rome Prison

JAKARTA - World Catholic leader Pope Francis held a Maundy Thursday ritual or Mass of the Holy Communion by visiting one of the prison complexes in Civitavecchia, Rome. One of the agenda is the ritual of washing feet.

Citing Vaticannews.va, Friday April 15, the Pope washed the feet of 12 prisoners. This is part of the Maundy Thursday ritual which symbolizes humility and concern for those who are marginalized.

Regarding the ritual, the Pope said that Jesus still considers a "friend" to the one who betrayed him, waits for him to the end, and forgives everything.

"God forgives everything and God always forgives! It is we who are tired of asking for forgiveness," the Pope said.

The Pope also asked his people to follow this example. "Through the desire to serve and forgive one another," the Pope added.

For information, the Pope washed the feet of 12 prisoners, both male and female, including people of different ages and nationalities. This ritual was witnessed directly by other inmates, security personnel, prison staff, authorities, and the Italian minister of justice.

Concluding the mass, the prison director thanked the Pope and offered him a print of the ancient port of Civitavecchia, as well as a selection of vegetable products from the gardens run by the inmates, to some of the work of the prison staff and inmates.