Pope Leo XIV revives the Holy Thursday foot-washing of priests after Francis’s inclusive tradition

rome — Pope Leo

The priests included 11 priests ordained by Leo last year, along with the Rev. Renzo Chiesa, director of the Primary Theological School of the Archdiocese of Rome.

Liu poured water from a golden jug on the priests’ feet before drying them with a white cloth and kissing them, in what the Pope described in his sermon as a “humble and free gesture” that showed “the true power of God.”

“Indeed, through this act, Jesus purifies not only our image of God — from the idolatry and blasphemy that have tarnished it — but also our image of humanity,” Leo said in his homily inside the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the pope’s official ecclesiastical residence as bishop of Rome.

“Because we tend to consider ourselves powerful when we dominate, victorious when we destroy our equals, and great when they fear us,” said the pope, who has been outspoken against war. “By contrast, Christ, as true God and true man, offers us an example of self-giving, service, and love.”

The foot-washing ceremony on Holy Thursday is a distinctive feature of every Holy Week and is reminiscent of the foot-washing performed by Jesus on his twelve apostles at the Last Supper together before his crucifixion.

Francis has revolutionized Vatican rituals by insisting, since his first Holy Thursday as pope in 2013, that women and followers of other faiths be included among the 12. Previously, popes performed rituals only for Catholic men in Rome’s cathedral.

Leo’s decision to restore the prominent position of priests during rituals is a return to tradition and a gesture consistent with what appears to be his effort to encourage the Catholic clergy and enhance his appreciation for their service.

Pope Francis has often criticized priests and what he called a “clerical” culture that places priests on a pedestal, above the laity. Francis believed that such an attitude was responsible for the abuse of power and authority embodied in the clerical sex abuse crisis.

However, Liu has spoken publicly about the need to protect the rights of priests. He dedicated his April prayer intentions to priests in crisis, who have lost hope due to loneliness, exhaustion or doubt.

“Let them feel that they are not just officials or lone heroes, but beloved children, humble and beloved disciples, shepherds supported by the prayers of their people,” Liu said in prayer intentions published by the Vatican this week.

He asked God to teach believers to care for their priests, “to listen without condemning, to give thanks without demanding perfection,” and to accompany them in prayer.