Pope Francis breaks Easter tradition and only washes women's feet

Pope Francis washed the feet of 12 women in a prison in Rome during an Easter ceremony, which emphasizes the act of humility. It is the first time that the pope washes only women's feet during the special religious service.

The 87-year-old pontiff, who has faced health and mobility issues recently, led the ceremony at Rome's Rebibbia prison, washing the feet of each of the women in his wheelchair, many of whom were in tears as he did that.

The foot washing ritual takes place on the Thursday before Easter and seeks to imitate Jesus Christ's washing of his disciples' feet the night before his death.

Since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church, the pope has removed this ceremony from Vatican territory and celebrated by washing the feet of prisoners, refugees and the disabled.

Over the years, Francis has washed the feet of women and Muslims. However, Michael Walsh, a prominent church historian and author, and Father Anthony Ruff, a liturgical expert, told CNN who believe this is the first time a pope has washed women's feet exclusively during the ceremony.

Nadia Fontana, director of the women's prison in Rome where the event took place, said it was the first time a pope had entered her facility, which she said holds 360 prisoners and one child.

In the early years of his pontificate, the pope changed church rules to officially include women in the ceremony, a move that was met with resistance within the Vatican.

His predecessor, Benedict XVI, only washed men's feet, and later changed the rules and only washed priests' feet.

In recent weeks, the pontiff has had aides read several of his speeches after suffering health problems. On February 28, he was admitted to the hospital for testing. During the winter months, Francisco had bronchitis, a cold and the flu.