We are brothers: Pope Francis to Pope Emeritus
March 23, 2013: Pope Francis and Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI shared a "beautiful embrace"
when meeting on Saturday in Castel Gandolfo. Speaking exclusively to Vatican Radio,
the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., revealed the
details of Saturday morning’s historic encounter, describing it as a moment of profound
and elevated communion. Father Lombardi mentioned that Pope Emeritus Benedict wanted
Pope Francis to have a place of honor in the chapel when the two of them prayed, but
Pope Francis insisted they share the same bench, saying "We are brothers." The meeting
between the two men lasted about 45 minutes. During their meeting Benedict XVI renewed
his act of reverence and obedience to his successor, and Pope Francis once again offered
his gratitude, and that of the whole Church, for the ministry carried out by Benedict
XVI during his pontificate.Speaking to journalists after the encounter, Holy See Press Office director, Fr. Federico Lombardi, relayed the details of the meeting, the first in person between Pope Francis and Benedict XVI.
He said Benedict XVI was waiting to greet Pope Francis as he alighted from the helicopter. That the Pope Emeritus dressed in a simple white cassock and jacket without the papal sash and cape thus distinguishing him from Pope Francis.
The Holy Father also brought a gift for his predecessor, an icon of Our Lady of Humility, as a gift for Benedict XVI's great humility. The intensely reserved nature of the encounter confirms what Benedict XVI had confided to the priests of Rome in his last meeting with them as Pope on February 14th when he said: “Although I am retiring now, I will always be close in prayer, and you will be close to me, even if I remain hidden away from the world".
Further underling the deep communion between these two men, Fr. Lombardi reminded journalists that since his election to the Papacy Francis has twice telephoned the Pope Emeritus and warmly referred to him in all of his public speeches.
Benedict XVI also accompanied Pope Francis to the heliport of the Papal Summer Residence Saturday afternoon on his return to Vatican City State.
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