Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis, visited Rome’s Regina Coeli prison as part of efforts to mark Holy Thursday.
Francis has always observed the tradition since the beginning of his pontificate.
While unable to celebrate this year’s liturgy of the Lord’s Supper and the Washing of the Feet, the Pope greeted inmates personally, offered them words of encouragement, and gifted each of them with a Rosary and a pocket-sized Gospel.
Addressing those who gathered, Francis said: “I have always liked coming to prison on Holy Thursday to do the washing of the feet like Jesus.
“This year, I cannot do it, but I want to be close to you. I pray for you and your families.”
Approximately 70 detainees of different ages and nationalities welcomed the Holy Father in the central rotunda of the historic prison, located in Rome’s Trastevere district.
The 88-year-old has been undergoing treatment since 14 February, when he was admitted after struggling with breathing difficulties.
Pope Francis was recently discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was receiving treatment for pneumonia in both lungs.
His health condition worsened after he suffered two acute respiratory failures.
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