Two Popes in the same frame is a sight that has never been seen before and is unlikely to be repeated again. Just ten days after Pope Francis was elected as the 266th Pontiff he has met with Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI. The union included lunch and a 45-minute private discussion. Pope Francis arrived by helicopter at Castel Gandolfo.
According to Vatican Spokesperson Fr Federico Lombardi, when the duo entered the villa’s chapel for a moment of prayer, Benedict motioned to Francis to take the seat but in keeping with his humility Pope Francis had another novel idea .The pontiff told his predecessor, “We are brothers,” and they knelt side by side in the same pew.
Outside the Castel crowds of both faithful and media all waited in the square hoping to see an appearance from the two Popes, but none was made. A photograph of the historic meeting was distributed via the Holy See.
Pope Francis gave his predecessor an icon of Our Lady of Humility “in gratitude for [Benedict’s] pontificate” before departing back to the Vatican.
Temporarily in residence at Castel Gandolfo – a place which he loves. Pope-emeritus
Benedict is expected to return to Vatican City in late April or May, when renovations are completed on his new home, a former convent in the gardens.
