Pope Francis on Thursday washed and kissed the feet of 12 female inmates at Rome's Rebibbia Prison in the traditional Holy (or Maundy) Thursday ritual recalling Jesus's washing his Apostles' feet at the Last Supper.
Like a simple parish priest, wearing a white apron over hisliturgical vestments, during the Mass 'in Coena Domini' at the Rebibbia women's prison, Pope Francis, seated in a wheelchair, washed, dried and kissed the feet of twelve female inmates, of various origins and nationalities.
There was great emotion among those involved, few of whom managed to hold back sobs and tears, and also among the other inmates and prison staff.
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