Pope makes surprise Holy Thursday visit to Rome prison

Though he was unable to perform the traditional foot-washing, Pope Francis told the prisoners he still wanted to be close to them. 

Pope Francis, still recovering after his recent hospitalisation with double pneumonia, made a surprise visit to Rome’s Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday, continuing his long-standing tradition of beginning the Triduum with prisoners.

The unannounced visit took place shortly before 3 p.m. local time. According to the Vatican, the Pope met around 70 inmates who regularly participate in activities and catechesis organised by the prison’s chaplaincy.

Though he was unable to perform the traditional foot-washing, the 88-year-old told the prisoners he still wanted to be close to them. 

“I like to do every year what Jesus did on Holy Thursday, the washing of the feet, in prison. This year I cannot do it, but I can, and I want to, be close to you. I pray for you and for your families,” Pope Francis said.

The Pope spoke briefly, prayed with the inmates, and individually greeted each person present. The visit concluded with the Lord’s Prayer and a papal blessing. The event lasted about 30 minutes

During the visit, the Pope was again seen to be breathing on his own without supplementary oxygen, a positive sign as he continues to recuperate after his five-week hospitalisation. His doctors recommended two months of rest following his discharge on 23 March, cautioning that his body still requires time to recover.

Since returning to the Vatican, Francis had largely remained out of the public eye but has made a few brief, unscheduled appearances in the past two weeks. He has delegated cardinals to preside over the Holy Week liturgies at the Vatican.

The visit to Regina Coeli – just a short drive from the Vatican – reflected the Pope’s determination to be close to the people during Holy Week despite his frail health.

During his pontificate, Pope Francis has regularly celebrated Holy Thursday Mass with the imprisoned. 

In 2013, just 15 days after his election, Francis chose the Casal del Marmo youth detention centre as the location of his first Holy Thursday Mass, where he washed the feet of juvenile detainees. 

Last year, the he celebrated the official Holy Thursday liturgy at Rome’s Rebibbia women’s prison, where he washed the feet of 12 female inmates. 

Pope Francis previously visited the Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday in 2018.

The waitress – a story for Maundy Thursday

View from Rome

Stay updated — add us as a preferred news source on Google: