Pope washes feet of two Muslim prisoners in unprecedented twist on Maundy Thursday.

Pope washes feet of two Muslim prisoners in unprecedented twist on Maundy Thursday.(CNN).

Pope Francis washed the feet of a dozen prisoners, including young women, at a youth detention center in Rome as part of a Holy Thursday Mass ahead of Easter.

The pontiff poured water over the young offenders' feet, wiped them with a white towel and kissed them.

The act of foot-washing at the Mass of the Lord's Supper is part of the Christian tradition that mirrors Jesus' washing of his disciples' feet.

Francis' decision to celebrate the Mass with young offenders at the Casal del Marmo center represents a break with tradition but is in step with his record in embracing simplicity and humility. The service has in past years been held at the grand Basilica of St. John Lateran, the official seat of the bishop of Rome.

This time, the Mass "will be, by his express desire, very simple," the Vatican said before the service.

The young offenders were expected to give the pope a wooden crucifix and kneeler, which they made themselves in the detention center's workshop.

In return, Francis was to bring Easter eggs and colomba, traditional Italian Easter cake in the shape of a dove, for all, the Vatican had said.

The Casal del Marmo center houses close to 50 inmates, who range in age from 14 to 21. The young people who had their feet washed were chosen from different nationalities and diverse religious backgrounds. Two young women and two Muslims were included in the rite, according to the Vatican.Read the full story here.