Staff Reports
Hold on to your hats because Pope Francis is at it again, breaking tradition like there’s no tomorrow! The fearless leader of the Catholic Church caused quite the stir when he washed the feet of 12 women inmates at a Roman prison, excluding any men from the Holy Thursday ritual.
Pope Francis Washes the Feet of 12 Female Prison Inmates https://t.co/6q6P6h70lQ pic.twitter.com/V63V3KaYtT
— Donald H. Gorbach (@CoverBooks) March 29, 2024
You see, the Church’s tradition of washing the feet of 12 people is all about commemorating the moment at the Last Supper when Jesus washed the feet of the 12 apostles. It’s a symbol of washing away sins and a neat way to show humility, at least according to Catholic belief.
So, there he was, wheeling himself into Rome’s Rebibbia women’s prison, all ready to wash and kiss the feet of 12 female inmates. Now, I understand the whole “compassion for the prisoners” angle, but come on, folks! Aren’t there other ways to show compassion without changing up an age-old tradition?
During his homily, the pope went on and on about Jesus being all humble and stuff, quoting some verse about how the son of man has not come to be served but to serve. I mean, we get it, pope, Jesus was a real stand-up guy, but does that mean we have to go around shaking up traditions left and right?
And then, as if that wasn’t enough, Pope Francis even brought up Judas and his betrayal. He ranted about money, selfishness, and forgiveness. Sure, forgiveness is important and all, but maybe it’s time for the pope to ask for forgiveness for changing up traditions without even batting an eye!
The whole feet-washing ceremony thing was originally started by Pope Saint Gregory the Great back in the sixth century. But then it fell out of use, only to be brought back into the limelight by Pope John XXIII in 1959. And now, here we are, with Pope Francis making history by being the first pope to include women in the ritual.
