ROME — Pope Leo XIV performed the sacred foot-washing ceremony exclusively with priests during this year’s Holy Thursday observance, marking a return to longstanding Vatican customs that his predecessor had modified to include broader participation.
The pontiff carried out the ritual with 12 clergy members, including 11 priests he had ordained the previous year and Rev. Renzo Chiesa, who leads the Rome Diocese’s main seminary.
Using a golden vessel, Leo poured water over each priest’s feet before toweling them dry and offering a ceremonial kiss. During his sermon, the pope described this as a “gratuitous and humble gesture” that reveals “the true omnipotence of God.”
“Indeed, through this act, Jesus purifies not only our image of God – from the idolatry and blasphemy that have distorted it – but also our image of humanity,” Leo stated during his address at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, which serves as the pope’s official cathedral as Rome’s bishop.
“For we tend to consider ourselves powerful when we dominate, victorious when we destroy our equals, great when we are feared,” the pontiff continued, drawing on his frequent opposition to warfare. “In contrast, as true God and true man, Christ offers us the example of self-giving, service and love.”
This Holy Thursday ceremony represents a cornerstone of each year’s Holy Week observances, commemorating Christ’s washing of his disciples’ feet during their final meal before his crucifixion.
Pope Francis had transformed this Vatican ritual beginning with his inaugural Holy Thursday in 2013, deliberately incorporating women and individuals from different religious backgrounds among the 12 participants. Before Francis, papal tradition limited the ceremony to Catholic men at the Roman basilica.
Leo’s choice to restore clergy as the central focus of this ritual represents both a revival of historical practice and aligns with his apparent mission to support Catholic priests and acknowledge their contributions.
Francis frequently challenged priests and condemned what he termed the “clerical” mindset that elevated clergy above ordinary believers. Francis viewed this hierarchical thinking as contributing to power abuses exemplified by the sexual abuse scandals within the church.
However, Leo has emphasized protecting priests’ welfare and dignity. He dedicated his April prayer focus to struggling clergy members facing despair due to isolation, burnout, or spiritual uncertainty.
“Let them feel they are not mere functionaries or lonely heroes, but beloved sons, humble and cherished disciples, and pastors sustained by the prayer of their people,” Leo stated in the prayer intentions the Vatican published this week.
He requested divine guidance to help the faithful support their priests, “to listen without judging, to give thanks without demanding perfection,” and to provide spiritual accompaniment through prayer.
