Francis tells Benedict 'we're brothers'

[Bklynguy]

Pope emeritus Benedict looks very old and frail. A beautiful, touching meeting between them both.

telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/vaticancityandholysee/9949839/Pope-meets-Pope-Francis-tells-Benedict-were-brothers.html

• The Argentine Pope flew in by helicopter from the Vatican to Castel Gandolfo, where his German predecessor is enjoying the first few weeks of his retirement following his shock decision to resign last month.

The Vatican said the two popes embraced on the helipad. Walking with a cane, Benedict looked frail compared to the robust 76-year-old Argentine.

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.

When they went to pray in the chapel, Benedict offered the place of honour, a kneeler before the altar, to Francis, who declined, saying, “We are brothers, we pray together.” The two then prayed together from the same pew.

The Vatican spokesman, Rev Federico Lombardi said he understands Benedict offered his pledge of obedience to the new pope, while Francis thanked Benedict for his ministry. *

I was wondering what Benedict was saying to him in the chapel–when he was reaching out for him as if to say, “No, not there.” (my Italian is pretty much…nil)

 

[AllSeasons]

Thank you so much for the link. I wasn’t sure there were going to be any press there. I am very sure there is nothing to worry about concerning Benedict being a “shadow pope”. He is not power hungry and seems so ready to be retired to a life of prayer. I see him now as a source of prayer power for Pope Francis much as the nuns who used to live in the monastery were for Benedict and John Paul.

Agreed. If Benedict wanted power, he never would’ve resigned. I’m thankful that we have/had popes like these.

 

[oldcelt]

Very touching images and I have to unfortunately agree with those who said that Benedict looks frail.

 

[Chiara_Caritas]

Thank you so much for posting the links & video. I join those who cried bittersweet tears. It was so wonderful to see Benedict XVI again, when I thought that would not be. Awed by the two together- embracing, praying. Again, history is made before our eyes & we are blessed to witness it. Just beautiful & inspiring beyond words.

Also, _Abyssinia, thank you! That story about the gift (Madonna Icon) was greatly appreciated.

He’s one day older than my mother. I think he’s doing quite well.

BTW my mother was born on Easter Sunday.

Alan

Happy Birthday to Alan’s Mom! … *from another Easter baby, with a pianist in her family, praying for you, your remarkable son Alan & the whole family. *

That was the day the old Holy Father was baptized!

Thanks for sharing that info, JKirk. I remember reading somewhere that he (Benedict XVI) was born on Good Friday.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Happy Birthday to Alan’s Mom! … *from another Easter baby, with a pianist in her family, praying for you, your remarkable son Alan & the whole family. *

Thank you! I don’t deserve all this, but I’ll gladly take it! :thankyou:

Thanks for sharing that info, JKirk. I remember reading somewhere that he (Benedict XVI) was born on Good Friday.

He was born April 16, 1927, says Wikipedia.

The month:



Alan