Rabat – Pope Francis traveled to the south of Rome to celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday, April 18, in the Velletri prison.
During the mass, the pope kissed and washed the feet of 12 prisoners, calling on them to help each other and abolish the “inmate hierarchy structure” in prisons.
The 12 prisoners came from Italy, Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire, and Morocco.
During the ceremony, the pope thanked the inmates for a “beautiful letter from several of them,” according to the Vatican News.
“The pope reflected briefly on the gesture of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, which priests around the world repeat on Holy Thursday,” said that news outlet.
Christians around the world commemorate Maundy Thursday as the night before Jesus’ crucifixion when he shared a last Passover meal, also called the Lord’s Supper, with his disciples, washing their feet to demonstrate how to be a servant-leader.
On March 30 and 31, Pope Francis visited Morocco for the first time.
During his visit, Pope Francis met with King Mohammed VI, senior officials, and migrants.
The pope enjoyed his visit to Morocco, delivering statements to express gratitude for the warm welcome he received.
“Last Saturday and Sunday [March 30-31], I completed an Apostolic Journey to Morocco, and I thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the other authorities, for their warm welcome.”
The pope also said that it was an honor and a joy to visit the “noble kingdom of Morocco.”
“King Mohammed and I reiterated the essential role religions have in defending human dignity, promoting peace and justice, and in caring for creation, our common home.”
The pope also promised to visit prisoners held at in the Castellon II prison in Albocasser, Spain.
