Pope Francis observed Holy Thursday by visiting inmates at a Rome prison.

Despite recently recovering from pneumonia, the Pope met with numerous prisoners at Regina Coeli prison, continuing his tradition of spending part of the Easter season with the marginalized.

According to reports, Francis offered words of encouragement and gave each inmate a Rosary and a pocket Gospel.

“I have always liked coming to prison on Holy Thursday to do the washing of the feet like Jesus,” he stated. “This year, I cannot do it, but I want to be close to you. I pray for you and your families.”

The Pope’s visit lasted approximately thirty minutes.

“Every time I enter a place like this, I ask myself: Why them and not me?” Francis told reporters outside the prison.

The 88-year-old Pope’s decision to keep the appointment, despite medical advice to rest and avoid crowds, demonstrates the significance he places on prison ministry and the importance of priests serving those on the fringes of society. This is particularly true during the Holy Week, which began and will conclude with special papal events for prison inmates.

While cardinals will take his place at some of the busy Holy Week events, Francis is expected to make at least a few other appearances over the next few days.

Following a mass led by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri on his behalf, Francis wished the faithful gathered in Saint Peter’s Square a “Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week.” This was his first public appearance since being released from the hospital, where he was seen using a small nasal cannula to receive oxygen.

Courtney Walsh and  

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