During a Holy Thursday Mass at a rehabilitation centre, Pope Francis washed the feet of four women and eight men with disabilities.
Ranging from 16 to 86 years of age, nine of the patients were Italian, one was a Muslim from Libya, one was a woman from Ethiopia and one young man was from Cape Verde.
In washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus showed all Christians he wanted them to serve others with love, the Pope said.
Two aides assisted the Pope in kneeling and standing up as he washed each patient’s feet.
This proved increasingly difficult for the 77-year-old Pontiff.
Before rising, he gave each of the people he washed a long and loving gaze and a broad smile.