Pope Pope Leo XIV carried out the traditional washing of the feet during Holy Week celebrations yesterday, reaffirming a centuries-old ritual symbolising humility, service, and compassion. The ceremony took place during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome, where the Pope washed the feet of twelve priests, marking a return to a more traditional format of the rite.
The ritual, rooted in the Gospel account of Jesus Christ washing the feet of his disciples before his crucifixion, remains one of the most symbolic acts of Holy Week, representing humility and service.
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV stressed that the gesture reflects a model of “service and self-giving”, highlighting that true Christian leadership is rooted in humility rather than domination.
He also called on the faithful to show solidarity with those suffering around the world, urging Catholics to stand alongside the oppressed and those affected by violence and hardship.
Drawing on the meaning of the ritual, the Pope emphasised that the act of washing feet demonstrates that power in the Christian sense is not about control, but about service, compassion, and care for others.
The ceremony also underscored Pope Leo XIV’s focus on the role of the priesthood, with the participants including priests ordained in recent years, highlighting the challenges faced by clergy and the need for support within the Church.
The ritual, known as the Mandatum, continues to be one of the most powerful moments of Holy Week, commemorating Christ’s final act of humility before his Passion.
The ceremony was held as millions of Catholics around the world, including in Malta, observe Good Friday through processions, liturgies, and devotional practices, reflecting on themes of sacrifice, redemption, and faith.
You can watch the ceremony in full here.
Feature video below of Good Friday procession in Malaga, Spain.
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