Pope Francis demonstrates unwavering commitment to those often overlooked, continuing a tradition of visiting incarcerated individuals on Holy Thursday. Despite recent health challenges stemming from pneumonia, the 88-year-old pontiff made an appearance at Regina Coeli prison in Rome, fulfilling his annual Easter appointment with those serving sentences.
The visit, lasting approximately thirty minutes, saw Pope Francis share words of comfort and provide inmates with a tangible expression of faith: Rosaries and pocket-sized Gospels. As he explained, “I have always liked coming to prison on Holy Thursday to do the washing of the feet like Jesus.” Unable to perform that specific act this year, he emphasized his desire for closeness, stating, “I pray for you and your families.”
Speaking to journalists after leaving the facility, Francis reflected poignantly, “Every time I enter a place like this, I ask myself: Why them and not me?”
This dedication underscores the profound importance Pope Francis places on prison ministry, particularly as the world anticipates the 2025 Holy Year—a period which will begin and conclude with papal events focused on supporting incarcerated individuals. His determination to maintain these engagements, even while adhering to medical recommendations for rest and limited public exposure, speaks volumes about his priorities.
While cardinals will represent him at other key Easter Week ceremonies, Pope Francis is expected to make further appearances during the holiday season.
On Sunday, he addressed the faithful gathered in Saint Peter’s Square, wishing them a “Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week” following a mass led by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri. It marked his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital after treatment for pneumonia; notably, he was not reliant on supplemental oxygen during his recovery.
