Pope Leo to lead first of Easter rites on Holy Thursday

Pope Leo XIV is set to preside over the first of the religious rites leading up to Easter Sunday in Rome and the Vatican on Thursday.

Leo is leading the services for the first time since pope Francis died on Easter Monday last year.

At the archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the cathedral of the diocese of Rome, the pontiff plans to wash the feet of 12 priests as a sign of humility. His predecessor used to go instead to a Roman prison to wash the feet of inmates.

Unlike Francis, Pope Leo is resuming various traditions of the Catholic Church. The first US citizen to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics is expected to personally carry a large cross for the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at the Colosseum.

On Sunday, he is due for the first time at Easter to deliver the traditional blessing Urbi et Orbi - Latin for to the city and the world - before tens of thousands of believers on St Peter's Square in the Vatican.

Francis died in April last year at the age of 88.

According to tradition, Jesus Christ celebrated the Last Supper with his 12 apostles on Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday. The meal is the foundation of the Communion, or Eucharist, service celebrated by Christians.

As a sign of charity and service, Jesus washed his disciples' feet before the meal, an act that is still re-enacted today by Christian clergy.

On Good Friday, he was sentenced to death and crucified. The Stations of the Cross trace the final stages of his suffering and crucifixion. Easter Sunday then celebrates his resurrection.