Visnews filmed Pope John XXIII Mar 26 as he revived the ancient custom of washing the feet of 13 priests at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. It was the first time a Pontiff has done so since the death of Pope Pius IX in 1878.

The centuries old ceremony, symbolizing the humility of exalted Church leaders is called the "Mandatum", from the first word of the fourth verse 13th chapter of the Gospel of St. John, beginning in the Catholic version: "A new commandment I give you".

In earlier Christian centuries not only the Pope in Rome but bishops in their cathedrals and the superiors in their monasteries observed this custom. The bishops washed the feet of 13 poor men and the monastery superiors of 13 of their monk subordinates.

The church of St. John Lateran is the Pope's special church as the Bishop of Rome. Founded 15 centuries ago it is one of Rome's largest churches and known to catholics all over the world as "the mother of all churches."