The Foot Wash Mass was once again celebrated at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, in Rome, this Thursday (2), led by Pope Leo XIV, resuming the tradition in the cathedral of the Italian capital after 13 years. Before this Thursday, the last time the celebration had taken place in the cathedral was in 2012, during the pontificate of Benedict XVI. In the following years, Pope Francis, who succeeded Benedict, began to perform the rite in places such as prisons and reception centers for the elderly or immigrants.
During mass, also a celebration of Holy Thursday, the pontiff washed, dried and kissed the feet of 12 priests from the Diocese of Rome, repeating the symbolic gesture of Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, which gives rise to the tradition.
In his homily, the pope stated that the gesture represents the way of life taught by Christ. “What the Lord makes us see, taking the water, the basin and the towel, is much more than a moral model. In fact, He transmits to us his own way of life: washing the feet is a gesture that synthesizes the revelation of God, an exemplary sign of the Word made flesh, his unmistakable memory. By assuming the condition of a servant, the Son reveals the glory of the Father, overturning the worldly criteria that stain our conscience”, he said.
Pope Leo XIV, the first North American to occupy the throne of Saint Peter, was chosen leader of the Church during a conclave called after the death of Francis, in April, and this year participates in his first Easter celebration as pontiff.
As the Pope said, it is precisely in the humble gesture of washing the feet that true divine omnipotence resides. The pontiff concluded this Thursday’s celebration by calling the faithful to Eucharistic adoration.
“Maundy Thursday is a day of fervent gratitude and authentic fraternity,” he said.
