At the Vatican, Pope Francis had a jam-packed Holy Thursday beginning with the Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and ending with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at a local prison.
To celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Pope Francis traveled to the Casal Del Marmo Juvenile Prison on the outskirts of Rome, where he washed the feet of the young inmates.
The Holy Father also had some words of encouragement for them, telling them to be open to Jesus and not to be afraid to share their struggles with him.
“Each of us can say but if the pope knew the things I have inside,” Pope Francis said. “Jesus knows them and loves us as we are and washes our feet. Jesus is never afraid of our weaknesses.”
The Pope explained that the washing of the feet was a sign both for the apostles and the church today. He reminded the inmates that no matter what they’ve done Jesus will never leave them.
The Inspector General Of Italy’s Prison Chaplains says he was personally moved by the pope’s visit to this prison and says it shows the Holy Father’s closeness to those who are often rejected by society.