Pope washes feet of 12 disabled, including a Muslim

(ANSA) - Rome, April 17 - Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of 12 disabled youngsters and elderly people, including a young Libyan Muslim, in the traditional Holy Thursday Mass at a top Catholic clinic in Rome.
    This year's Holy Thursday liturgy, which recalls Jesus washing the feet of his apostles at the Last Supper shortly before the Crucifixion, took place at the Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi in Via Casal del Marmo in the Italian capital.
    The Fondazione is one of Italy's best-known bodies for the care of the elderly, including the terminally ill, and disabled children.
    The 12 disabled people ranged from 16 to 86 years of age, and included three foreigners.
    Before Mass began, the pope stopped to greet dozens of wheelchair-bound people sitting in the front rows, as well as their relatives, caregivers, and volunteers.
    Francis, who has gained popularity by his humble, homey style, plain living, concern for those left behind by capitalism and his plans to reform a scandal-hit Church, made headlines at last year's pre-Easter ritual by washing the feet of juvenile offenders, including female Muslims.
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