Pope Leo XIV is set to mark his first Holy Thursday celebration as leader of the Catholic Church by washing the feet of 12 priests, a symbolic act highlighting humility and support for clergy.
The ceremony, part of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, commemorates Jesus Christ’s washing of his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper — a gesture widely seen as a call to service and leadership through humility.
According to Church officials, the new pope’s decision to wash the feet of priests reflects a renewed focus on strengthening the clergy at a time when many face growing pastoral and social challenges.
The Vatican described the act as one that “underscores the pope’s closeness to his priests and their mission.”
This year’s celebration also marks a subtle shift in tone from the papacy of Pope Francis, who often held Holy Thursday liturgies in prisons and washed the feet of inmates and marginalised groups.
Pope Leo XIV, however, is returning the rite to a more traditional setting, including the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome.
The move is seen as an effort to balance tradition with pastoral outreach.
The foot-washing ritual itself remains deeply rooted in Christian teaching.
By performing it, the pope imitates Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve,” a message that continues to define the Church’s leadership model.
The Holy Thursday Mass begins the Easter Triduum, the most sacred period in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter Sunday.
