Trending Now - Pope Leo XIV Reinstates Foot-washing Tradition on Holy Thursday

WHO:

ABC News - Pope Leo XIV washed the feet of 12 priests during the Holy Thursday ritual.

ABC News - The priests included 11 ordained by Pope Leo XIV in 2025 and the Rev. Renzo Chiesa, the director of the Rome Diocese's primary seminary.

WHAT:

ABC News - Pope Leo XIV restored the traditional Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual, which had been altered by his predecessor, Pope Francis.

ABC News - The foot-washing ceremony is a hallmark of Holy Week and recalls the foot-washing Jesus performed on his 12 apostles at The Last Supper.

WHERE:

ABC News - The ceremony took place inside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the official ecclesiastical seat of the pope as the bishop of Rome.

WHEN:

ABC News - The foot-washing ceremony occurred on Holy Thursday, March 28th, 2026.

WHY:

ABC News - Pope Leo XIV's decision to restore the traditional ritual is seen as a return to tradition and an effort to encourage Catholic clergy and reinforce appreciation for their service.

ABC News - Pope Francis had included women and people of other faiths in the foot-washing ceremony, which Pope Leo XIV has now reverted to a focus on priests.

HOW:

ABC News - Pope Leo XIV poured water from a golden pitcher over the priests’ feet, dried them with a white cloth, and bestowed a kiss as part of the ritual.

ABC News - In his homily, Pope Leo XIV described the act as a “gratuitous and humble gesture" that demonstrates “the true omnipotence of God.”

(UPDATED April 3, 2026 09:15 UTC)

Pope Leo XIV washed the feet of twelve priests during the traditional Holy Thursday ritual at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran on Saturday, marking a return to tradition by restoring a ceremony altered by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Among the priests were eleven ordained by Leo XIV in 2025 and the Rev. Renzo Chiesa, the director of the Rome Diocese's primary seminary, as the Pope emphasized the significance of the act in his homily, calling it a “gratuitous and humble gesture” that reflects “the true omnipotence of God.” The ceremony, which recalls the foot-washing Jesus performed on his twelve apostles at The Last Supper, has shifted back to focus solely on priests, reinforcing appreciation for their service within the Catholic clergy.