“But he didn’t, he just did his own thing on the spot.”
He did not do it on the spot. It was announced earlier that he would wash the feet of both women and infidels. It was also announced that it would be closed to the press.
Around the world, Bishops and priests come together at their local Cathedrals on Holy Thursday morning to celebrate the institution of the priesthood. During the Mass, the bishop blesses the Oil of Chrism that will be used for Baptism, Confirmation, and Anointing of the sick or dying.
At this Mass, the bishop washes the feet of twelve priests to symbolize Christ’s washing of his twelve Apostles, our first bishops and priests.
From the Catholic News Agency.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/holy-week/holy-thursday/the-significance-of-holy-thursday/
You’re right -— I’m sorry, I expressed that ineptly. Of course it was announced; and the prison officials had to have consulted with the Pope’s aides to select which prisoners would participate. I didn’t really mean “off the top of his head,” I meant without a Motu Proprio or any ‘formal’ change of the rubric.