Pope Francis Breaks His Silence During Holy Week: 'I Can't Do It, But...'

Although Pope Francis will not participate in this year's Holy Week celebrations, he has wanted to be present in a profoundly symbolic way. His delicate health condition has prevented him from leading the liturgies of Holy Thursday and Good Friday. However, that has not been an obstacle for the pontiff to make a gesture that will go down in history.

Yesterday, Holy Thursday, Pope Francis made a completely unexpected visit to one of the places most forgotten by society: the prison. He traveled to Regina Coeli prison in Rome to share the Day of Fraternal Love with those who rarely receive gestures of love. An act that, due to its emotional and symbolic weight, has moved even those who do not profess the Catholic faith.

The Beautiful Gesture of Pope Francis That Hasn't Gone Unnoticed

Pope Francis could not perform the traditional foot washing, as he usually does every year at this time. Even so, he decided to approach a fence where dozens of prisoners anxiously awaited his arrival. Upon seeing him, they began to shout, cry, and extend their hands, as if seeking human contact to break their isolation.

Then, one of the most significant moments of the day occurred. With a slow but intentional gesture, Pope Francis blew a kiss to the prisoners. It was a kiss that crossed the bars, the distances, and the social barriers, becoming a message of inclusion and hope.

Pope Francis was visibly frail, with a broken voice and mobility difficulties. But he also conveyed serenity and determination. His presence, although brief, was profoundly significant for the inmates, who replied by sending kisses back, amid tears and contained emotions.

After that initial moment, the pontiff met with 70 inmates who actively participate in the prison chaplaincy's activities. It was an intimate meeting, in which the prison transformed into a kind of new Cenacle.

"I like to do every year what Jesus did on Holy Thursday: the washing of the feet," confessed Pope Francis during his intervention. And he added: "This year I can't do it, but I can and want to be close to you. I pray for you and your families."

The words were brief but full of meaning, and they made it clear that Pope Francis is not stopped by his delicate health condition. His gesture of going to the prison, even while convalescing, shows his commitment to the most marginalized and to those whom no one wants to see.

From the Vatican, it had already been announced that Francis would not preside over the liturgical celebrations on medical advice. The respiratory problems resulting from bilateral pneumonia keep him in recovery, and for this reason, he has delegated the ceremonies to other cardinals.

Even so, his decision to personally go to the prison has given new meaning to this year's Holy Week. In the face of liturgical silence, Pope Francis has opted for the eloquence of a gesture. It has not been an official act, but it is one of the most powerful of his pontificate.