A lot of traditional Catholics are not having a good Friday on Good Friday.
Pope Francis today broke with centuries of tradition and instead of washing the feet of 12 men to remember Jesus’ washing of the disciple’s feet, he washed the feet of women and non-Christians.
“Jesus made a gesture, a job, the service of a slave, a servant,” The Pope said. “And he leaves this inheritance to us: We need to be servants to one another.”
The Pope visited a center for the disabled and elderly in Rome to conduct the ritual. Pope Francis washed the feet of a dozen people with swollen and disfigured feet, many of whom were in wheelchairs.
The Vatican said that they did not vet the people being served about their religious beliefs although they confirmed an Italian newspaper report that four women and one Muslim man were part of those the Pope served.
The Pope reminded people listening to a Thursday address at the Vatican that this season was more than just Jesus’ resurrection but also to remember the ultimate act of service that Christ performed for us.
