In a show of humility and peace before asylum seekers just outside Rome, Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of refugees during an Easter Week mass on Thursday. The 12 refugees, traditionally representing Jesus's 12 apostles, included Muslims, Coptic Christians and a Hindu.
Several of the migrants that were chosen for the ceremony were women too, contrary to conventional Catholic practices. Many of the migrants wept as the pontiff knelt down before them, poured holy water on their feet, wiped them clean and kissed them.
"We have different cultures and religions, but we are brothers and we want to live in peace. All of us, together; Muslims, Hindi, Catholics, Copts, Evangelicals. But brothers, children of the same God. We want to live in peace, integrated," Francis said.
Unfortunately, only a fraction of the refugee camp's almost 900 residents attended the pontiff's mass, with many of the prepared seats remaining empty. Nevertheless, the Pope's message, as well as his actions, proved to be very significant for those who attended.
In his message, the Holy See condemned the latest terror attack in Brussels, stating that those responsible for the brutal attack were people who do not wish to live a peaceful life. He also condemned the people behind the men who carried out the bombings, comparing them to modern-day Judases.
"Behind Judas, there were those who gave the money so that Jesus would be handed over. Behind that gesture, there are manufacturers, arms dealers who want blood, not peace; they want war, not brotherhood. Two gestures, the same: Jesus washes the feet; Judas sold Jesus for money," he said.
The pope also acknowledged the struggles faced by the asylum-seekers, as well as the difficulties each refugee are faced with as they attempt to start their life anew. Nevertheless, the pope has stated that all men must have an open heart for one another.
"Each of us has a story within us. So many crosses, so many sorrows, but we also have a heart open to brotherhood. May each one of us, in our own religious language, beg the Lord that this brotherhood be contagious in the world, so that there are not 30 coins to kill our brother, so that there will always be brotherhood and goodness," he said.
Pope Francis also set his sights on the priests of the church. Speaking at his annual Holy Thursday Mass in the Vatican, the pontiff wasted no time in asserting the role that Catholic authorities must play in serving those who are in need.
"As priests, we identify with people who are excluded, people the Lord saves. We remind ourselves that there are countless masses of people who are poor, uneducated, prisoners, who find themselves in such situations because others oppress them," he said.
