Pope Leo XIV revives key traditions while presiding over Easter rites for the first time

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday will preside over the opening rites of the Easter season in Rome and the Vatican, marking his first time leading the ceremonies.

The pontiff is conducting the services following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday last year.
At the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, Pope Leo XIV is expected to wash the feet of 12 priests, symbolising humility. This differs from his predecessor’s approach, as Pope Francis often carried out the ritual in prisons, washing the feet of inmates.
In contrast to Francis, Pope Leo XIV is reinstating several long-standing traditions of the Catholic Church. He is also expected to personally carry a large cross during the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at the Colosseum.
On Easter Sunday, the pope will, for the first time, deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing—meaning “to the city and the world”—before tens of thousands gathered at St Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis died in April last year at the age of 88.
According to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ shared the Last Supper with his 12 apostles on Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday. This event forms the basis of the Communion, or Eucharist, observed by Christians.
As an act of humility and service, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples before the meal—a practice still re-enacted by clergy today.
Good Friday commemorates his sentencing to death and crucifixion, while the Stations of the Cross recount the final moments of his suffering.
Easter Sunday celebrates his resurrection. (dpa/NAN)