Pope Washes Clergy’s Feet In Easter Rite

Pope John Paul II led Holy Thursday Mass, washing the feet of 12 clergymen in a Catholic church rite that symbolizes humility.

The papal Mass at St. John Lateran Basilica was part of a series of public ceremonies that culminates on Easter Sunday.

John Paul is participating in the events after recuperating from a fever and digestive problems that last month forced cancellation of an audience.

The pope, wearing a gold-trimmed white apron, washed and dried the feet of 12 priests as they sat on an elevated platform. The gesture recreates the act of Jesus washing the apostles’ feet at the Last Supper, the day before his crucifixion.