Washing feet of refugees, Pope stresses brotherhood

March 24, 2016

Pope Francis celebrated the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, March 24, at the CARA reception center for refugees seeking asylum. 

During the ceremony the Pope washed the feet of a dozen refugees, including both men and women, Christians and Muslims. Most of the refugees at the CARA center-- which is located a Castelnuovo di Porto, outside Rome-- are from Africa, and most are Muslim. 

In his brief homily, Pope Francis focused on the Gospel story of Jesus washing the feet of his apostles. He emphasized the common bonds that unite all people. "We are different; we are unique," the Pontiff said. "We have different cultures and religions. But we are brothers and we want to live in peace."

 

 

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Further information:

• An emotional Mass for migrants with Pope Francis (CNA)
• Pope Francis celebrates Missa in coena Domini (Vatican Radio)