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"We are brothers": Pope Francis makes history as he embraces retired predecessor Benedict in first-ever meeting of two pontiffs
- Francis flew to Castel Gandolfo where the retired pope is staying
- The Vatican said the pair would lunch together before Francis left today
- Both men wore the white of the papacy, with Benedict in a simple cassock
The men met on the helipad at the papal summer retreat, before praying together in the chapel.
Benedict offered Francis the kneeler traditionally used by the pope when he prays.
But Francis refused to take it alone, saying 'We're brothers', and the two used a different kneeler in the pews and prayed together, side-by-side.
Pope Francis met Benedict, pope emeritus, today at the papal retreat where the retired pontiff is staying
Francis presented Benedict with an icon of the Virgin Mary during their meeting
The two shared a kneeler as they prayed together
in the villa's chapel, with Francis rejecting the use of the papal
kneeler to share with his 'brother'
Today's meeting is the first between two popes in more than 600 years as the Catholic Church finds itself in the unusual position of having two alive at the same time.
Traveling from the helipad to the palazzo, Francis sat on the right-hand side of the car, the traditional place of the pope, while Benedict sat on the left.
Francis brought a gift to Benedict, an icon of the Madonna, and told him that it is known as the 'Madonna of Humility.'
'I thought of you,' Francis told him as he presented the gift.
'You gave us so many signs of humility and gentleness in your pontificate.'
Benedict replied: 'Grazie, grazie.'
Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi said he understands Benedict reiterated his pledge of obedience to the new pope, while Francis thanked Benedict for his ministry.
He said they both wore white, though Benedict was in a simple cassock and a quilted white jacket without the traditional sash and cape worn by Francis.
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