Pope Leo XIV Restores Holy Thursday Foot-Washing at the Lateran | DISCUSS

On Thursday, April 2, 2026, Pope Leo XIV made history by becoming the first pontiff in 13 years to return to the traditional practice of washing the feet of 12 priests during the Holy Thursday Missa in Caena Domini (Mass of the Lord’s Supper).

The ceremony took place at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, marking a significant liturgical shift in the first Easter Triduum of his papacy.

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Restoring the "Mandatum" to Clergy

The move is being viewed by Vatican observers as a "National Reset" of papal custom, reversing the inclusive tradition established by his predecessor, Pope Francis:

The Selection: Pope Leo XIV washed the feet of 12 priests, including 11 newly ordained from last year and the director of Rome’s primary seminary, Rev. Renzo Chiesa.

A Shift from Francis: Since 2013, Pope Francis had revolutionized the rite by washing the feet of women, prisoners, and non-Christians at various outreach centers. Pope Leo’s return to washing only priests at the Lateran emphasizes the institution of the priesthood.

The Ritual: Using a golden pitcher and white cloth, the Pope poured water over each priest's feet, dried them, and bestowed a kiss, calling it a “gratuitous and humble gesture” that purifies our image of God and humanity.

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"In This Dark Hour": The Holy Thursday Homily

In his homily, delivered before a silent congregation, the Pope connected the act of service to the current global climate of war and suffering:

Against Domination: He critiqued the human tendency to seek power through destruction. "We tend to consider ourselves powerful when we dominate... In contrast, Christ offers us the example of self-giving, service and love," he stated.

Support for Priests: The Pope used the occasion to highlight the "fragility" of the clergy, dedicating his April prayer intentions to priests in crisis facing loneliness or exhaustion.

A Call for Peace: Earlier in the week, the U.S.-born Pope expressed hope for an "off-ramp" to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, urging world leaders to seek an end to the violence before Easter Sunday.

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Snapshot: Holy Week 2026 Timeline

Event	Date	Location	Significance
Palm Sunday	March 29, 2026	St. Peter's Square	Called for peace in the Middle East.
Holy Thursday	April 2, 2026	Lateran Basilica	First priest-only foot-washing in 13 years.
Good Friday	April 3, 2026	The Colosseum	Pope to carry the cross for all 14 stations.
Easter Sunday	April 5, 2026	St. Peter's Basilica	Urbi et Orbi blessing and peace message.

"Jesus purifies not only our image of God – from the idolatry and blasphemy that have distorted it – but also our image of humanity." — Pope Leo XIV.