Pope meets Pope: Francis makes history as he joins predecessor Benedict for lunch and tells him: "We're brothers"
The new pontiff made history when he travelled to Castel Gandolfo to meet his predecessor for lunch
Historic: Two Popes met for the first time in history
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Pope Francis made history today when he joined his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI for lunch.
The new pontiff travelled to Castel Gandolfo by helicopter and the Vatican said the pair embraced on the helipad.
In the chapel where they prayed together, Benedict offered Francis the traditional kneeler used by the pope.
Francis refused to take it alone, saying "We're brothers," and the two prayed together on the same one. "Pope Emeritus" Benedict XVI and Pope Francis praying in Castel Gandolfo
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Outside the villa, the main piazza of Castel Gandolfo was packed with well-wishers hoping to catch a glimpse of history.
Vatican spokesman Rev Federico Lombardi said Benedict offered his
pledge of obedience to the new pope, while Francis thanked Benedict for
his ministry.
Both wore white, though Benedict was in a simple cassock without the traditional sash and cape worn by Francis.
Benedict has been living at the papal summer villa since he resigned on February 28, the first pope to step down in 600 years.
He has said he plans to live out his final years in prayer and remain "hidden from the world". Thumbs up: Pope Francis arrives at Castel Gandolfo
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No live coverage of the private meeting was allowed, only a few still photos from the official Vatican photographer.
The Vatican said Benedict was at the helipad in the villa gardens to
welcome Francis, and that the two were meeting in Benedict's library and
having lunch together.
Francis will then return to his makeshift home at the Vatican hotel at an unspecified time later in the day.
The Vatican spokesman promised a general comment about the meeting, but no detailed statement.
After a few months in Castel Gandolfo, Benedict is to return to the
Vatican to live in a converted monastery in the Vatican gardens, just a
short walk from St Peter's Basilica and the shrine devoted to the
Madonna where Francis went to pray on one of his first walks as pope.
