Pope returns to practice of washing feet of laymen

Published: 2006-04-13

ROME (CNS) -- Returning to a practice in effect before 1985, Pope Benedict XVI washed the feet of 12 laymen during the April 13 evening Mass of the Lord's Supper at Rome's Basilica of St. John Lateran. The 12 men were chosen to represent the various lay movements and communities active in the Diocese of Rome. From 1985 to 2001, Pope John Paul II washed the feet of 12 priests each year during the Holy Thursday Mass. Beginning in 2002, because of his weakened physical condition and his inability to walk, the pope had cardinals perform the foot-washing ritual, but always washing the feet of 12 priests. However, in the first six years of his pontificate, Pope John Paul continued Pope Paul VI's practice of washing the feet of laypeople.

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