Pope Leo XIV restores traditional Holy Thursday foot‑washing
newsApr 2, 2026
Pope Leo XIV restored the traditional Holy Thursday foot-washing, returning the rite to priests only. He washed the feet of 12 priests, reversing Pope Francis's practice of washing prisoners, women and non-Catholics. In a pointed homily he denounced warmongers, said God does not listen to Donald Trump's prayers, and told some leaders, "Your hands are full of blood." The move signals a liturgical and political shift in the Vatican, aligning Leo XIV with pre-Francis practices and sharpening the Church's public critique of violence.
Key Highlights
Pope Leo XIV washed the feet of 12 priests during Holy Thursday.
He ended Francis's practice of washing prisoners, women, and non-Catholics.
In a sharp homily he said, "Your hands are full of blood."