Editors' Note
This post has been corrected to remove phrasing that was copied from The Catholic News Herald and the Boston Globe. While there are two bylines on this post, the issue is limited to the content added by Benny Johnson.
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For years as Archbishop, Pope Francis celebrated a feet-washing mass, which commemorates Christ's washing of the disciples feet at the Last Supper.
Francis is continuing this tradition now that he is Pope and has decided to continue the practice at a youth prison in Rome.
Thursday afternoon, 12 inmates were selected to have their feet washed and kissed by the Holy Father.
The 76-year-old Francis poured water from a silver chalice over each foot...
...dried it with a simple cotton towel...
...then bent over...
...and kissed each prisoners feet.
Two young women were among the 12.
According to news reports, Orthodox, Muslim and North African detainees were also included in the 12 as well as a man with tattoos on his feet.
Pope Francis told the prisoners: "This is a symbol, it is a sign — washing your feet means I am at your service."
Previous popes have conducted the ritual, but only on other priests.
"Don't lose hope," Francis told the prisoners "With hope you can always go on."
And the world says: Well Done Pope.
