Charles Camosy: Why the Pope's Plan to Wash Prisoners' Feet Matters
Charles Camosy
2.30
28 March 2013
20 August 2025
Pope Francis's decision to wash the feet of 12 young people at a juvenile detention center on Holy Thursday is drawing notice for his distinct style. "I think it's an absolute breath of fresh air," says Charles Camosy, assistant professor of theology at Fordham University. "Too much of what has transpired at the Vatican has been full of pomp and circumstance, not really this sort of simple message of Christ." The pope has also decided to live in the Vatican hotel rather than the grand papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace. Camosy also spoke with Odyssey Networks earlier about why the pope breaks stereotypes. Odyssey Networks in a non-profit media organization dedicated to building bridges of understanding between people of faith. Visit OdysseyNetworks.org to support our work and learn more.
