Pope arrives at Castel Gandolfo for historic meeting with Benedict XVI

(Vatican Radio) The tiny hill top hamlet of Castel Gandolfo was invaded by pilgrims and journalists Saturday morning ahead of a historical first: the meeting between Pope Francis and his predecessor Benedict XVI Pope emeritus.

After a 20 minute flight from Vatican City State, Pope Francis touched down in the helipad at the southern extremity of the Papal Summer residence shortly before 12:30 local time. He was greeted there by Benedict XVI accompanied by the Bishop of Albano, Marcello Semeraro and Director of the Pontifical Villas Saverio Petrillo.

Pope Francis and Benedict XVI were then escorted by car to the Palace. They will hold a private meeting in the Palace Library and then have lunch together. Pope Francis is due to make his return to the Vatican Saturday afternoon, ahead of Palm Sunday celebrations in St. Peter’s.

Benedict XVI, Pope emeritus has been in residence in Castel Gandolfo since his resignation from the Papacy February 28^th last. There he is attended by his two personal secretaries and four consecrated lay women of the Memores Domini Lay Association. His security is ensured by the Vatican Gendarme, or police force.

Benedict XVI will return to the Vatican once renovation work is completed on the cloistered monastery, Mater Ecclesiae, that will be his permanent residence.

Since his election on March 13^th, Pope Francis has spoken by phone to Benedict XVI. Saturday’s encounter will be his first with his “venerable predecessor”.