Pope Leo XIV restored the traditional foot-washing ritual for priests on Maundy Thursday
Kyiv • UNN
The Pontiff washed the feet of 12 priests in the Basilica of St. John Lateran. This gesture became a symbol of support for the clergy instead of serving laypeople and prisoners.
Pope Leo XIV, on Maundy Thursday, washed the feet of 12 priests in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, returning to the traditional format of the rite, which under Pope Francis was performed for lay people, prisoners, and representatives of other religions. This is reported by Vatican News and AP, writes UNN.
Details
Among the participants in the ceremony were 11 priests whom Leo XIV himself ordained last year, as well as the spiritual director of the Roman seminary, Renzo Chiesa. During the liturgy, the pontiff washed their feet, wiped them with a white cloth, and kissed them, calling this gesture a symbol of service, not power.
For we tend to consider ourselves strong when we dominate, victorious when we destroy our equals, great when we are feared. Instead, Christ gives us an example of self-sacrifice, service, and love
The Vatican explained the decision as support for the clergy
According to Reuters, this year Leo XIV deliberately decided to focus the rite specifically on priests to emphasize support for the Catholic clergy. Earlier, he also dedicated his April prayer intention to priests experiencing crisis, loneliness, or exhaustion.
May they feel not just officials or lonely heroes, but beloved sons, humble and dear disciples