Francis will visit the facility on the afternoon of Holy Thursday. As archbishop of Buenos Aires, he celebrated In Coena Domini in a prison, a hospital or hospice for poor and marginalised people.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis will celebrate the In Coena Domini, the Lord's Supper, at 'Casal del Marmo' youth detention centre in Rome, at 5.30 pm on 28 March.

In a press release, the Holy See Press Office said, "The Mass of the Lord's Supper, which commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, also features the rite of the washing of the feet. In his ministry as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Bergoglio used to celebrate the Mass in a prison, hospital or hospice for poor and marginalised people."

With the celebration at 'Casal del Marmo', Pope Francis continues the practice, which must characterised by a context of simplicity.

Benedict XVI visited the same facility on 18 March 2007, where he celebrated Mass in the 'Padre Misericordioso' (Merciful Father) Chapel.

The youth detention centre is also connected to Card Agostino Casaroli, a former secretary of state under Paul Vi, John Paul I and John Paul II.

The father of the Vatican's Ostpolitik (policy of engagement with the East) visited young prisoners each week.

Other Holy Week celebrations are expected to follow the normal schedule.

 

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