"Pope Francis Washes Women's Feet in Break from Tradition"

Pope Francis visited a female prison in Rome to perform the traditional foot-washing ritual on Holy Thursday, washing and kissing the feet of 12 women prisoners as a gesture of humility and service. The 87-year-old pontiff, who recently curtailed his speaking engagements due to fatigue, seemed fit and strong during the visit. This event marks the beginning of a series of ceremonies leading up to Easter, including a Good Friday service and an Easter Vigil. Francis is known for including women, atheists, Muslims, and other non-Christians in the foot-washing ceremony, continuing a practice he began as archbishop of Buenos Aires.