This is a traditional rite that repeats the gesture of Jesus during the Last Supper when he washed the feet of his disciples as a sign of love and service.
Francis went to juvenile prison five days after being discharged from the hospital, where he was hospitalized with bronchitis.
The 86-year-old pontiff, whose health has recently deteriorated sharply, keeps a busy schedule of all the Holy Week rituals that test his endurance. Before visiting the prison, he celebrated Maundy Thursday Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
The Pope’s sermon was addressed to the priests. He did not directly address the topic of scandals and crimes of the church hierarchy, but spoke of a “crisis” affecting priests.
“Now I’m thinking of some of you who are in crisis, who are disoriented, so to speak. I mean these brothers and just say to them: “Be strong! The Lord is greater than your weaknesses and your sins,” said the Pope.
