Unusual event: 25,000 people wait in St. Peter's Square - Pope foregoes sermon.
According to tradition, the Pope was the feet of prison inmates. Foot washing goes back to a gesture made by Jesus to his disciples at the Last Supper. It is a sign of humility and solidarity (fh) and is a passion and sign of the passion of Jesus. It marks the climax of the Christian church year. On Sunday before Easter, palm branches are traditionally carried in the church procession, blessed with holy water and then placed behind houses.