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‘We Are Brothers’: New Pope, Old Pope Meet & Pray Together

Mar. 23, 2013 2:19pm Madeleine Morgenstern

Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Meet and Pray Together in Castel Gandolfo

Recently-elected Pope Francis and his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, meet at the helicopter pad of the papal summer residence Castel Gandolfo on March 23, 2013 near Rome, Italy. Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict met to have a private lunch. Historically there are no known records of a pope and former pope meeting as a new pontiff is only elected on the death his predecessor. (Getty Images)

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP) — The two men in white embraced and showed one another the deference owed a pope in ways that surely turned Vatican protocol upside down: A reigning pope telling a retired one, “We are brothers,” and insisting that they pray side-by-side during a date to discuss the future of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis traveled Saturday from the Vatican to this hilltown south of Rome to have lunch with his predecessor, Benedict XVI, an historic and potentially problematic melding of the papacies that has never before confronted the church.

In a season of extraordinary moments, starting with Benedict’s resignation and climaxing with the election of the first Latin American pope, Saturday’s encounter provided perhaps the most enduring images of this papal transition as popes present and past embraced, prayed and broke bread together.

“It was a moment of great communion in the church,” said the Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi. “The spiritual union of these two people is truly a great gift and a promise of serenity for the church.”

Benedict, 85, has been living at the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo since he stepped down Feb. 28 and became the first pope to resign in 600 years. From the moment he was elected, Francis, 76, made clear he would go visit him, refusing in a way to let Benedict remain “hidden from the world” as he had intended.

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Wearing a white quilted jacket over his white cassock to guard against the spring chill, Benedict greeted Francis on the helipad of the Castel Gandolfo gardens as soon as the papal helicopter landed. They embraced and clasped hands. And in a series of gestures that followed, Benedict made clear that he considered Francis to be pope while Francis made clear he considered his predecessor to be very much a revered brother and equal.

Traveling from the helipad to the palazzo, Benedict gave Francis the seat on the right-hand side of the car, the traditional place of the pope, while Benedict sat on the left. When they entered the chapel inside the palazzo to pray, Benedict tried to direct Francis to the papal kneeler in the front, but Francis refused.

Taking Benedict’s hands and drawing him near, Francis said, “No, we are brothers,” Lombardi said. The two used a longer kneeler in the pews and prayed side-by-side, the papal kneeler facing the altar left vacant.

It was a gesture that, 10 days into Francis’ papacy, is becoming routine: a shunning of the trappings of the papacy in favor of a collegial and simple style that harks back to his Jesuit roots and ministry in the slums of Buenos Aires.

Francis also brought a gift for Benedict, an icon of the Madonna.

“They told me it’s the Madonna of Humility,” Francis told Benedict. “Let me say one thing: When they told me that, I immediately thought of you, at the many marvelous examples of humility and gentleness that you gave us during your pontificate.”

Benedict replied: “Grazie, grazie.”

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Outside the villa, the main piazza of Castel Gandolfo was packed with well-wishers bearing photos of both popes and chanting “Francesco! Francesco!” But the crowd soon dissipated after Francis’ helicopter left 2.5 hours later, without either pope coming to the balcony as many had hoped.

The Vatican downplayed the remarkable reunion in keeping with Benedict’s desire to stay out of the spotlight so as not to interfere with his successor’s papacy. There was no live coverage by Vatican television, and only a short video and still photos were released after the meeting. No details of the pair’s private talks or lunch were released.

All of which led to enormous speculation about what these two men in white might have said to one another. That the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was second only to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in the 2005 conclave that elected Ratzinger pope – considered then to be the “anti-Ratzinger” candidate – only added to the popular imagination about what two men with such radically different styles, backgrounds and priorities might have chatted about over lunch.

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Perhaps during their primo, or pasta course, they discussed the big issues facing the church: the rise of secularism in the world, the drop in priestly vocations in Europe, the competition that the Catholic Church faces in Latin America and Africa from evangelical Pentecostal movements.

During their secondo, or second course of meat or fish, they may have discussed more pressing issues about Francis’ new job: Benedict left a host of unfinished business on Francis’ plate, including the outcome of a top-secret investigation into the leaks of papal documents last year that exposed corruption and mismanagement in the Vatican administration. Francis might have wanted to sound Benedict out on his ideas for management changes in the Holy See administration, a priority given the dysfunctional government he has inherited.

Benedict’s resignation – and his choices about his future – have raised the not-insignificant question of how the Catholic Church will deal with the novel situation of having one reigning and one retired pope living side-by-side.

Before Benedict announced his decision to be known as “emeritus pope” and “Your Holiness,” one of the Vatican’s leading canon lawyers, the Jesuit Rev. Gianfranco Ghirlanda, penned an article suggesting that such a title would be inappropriate for Benedict since in renouncing the papacy he had “lost all the power of primacy” conferred on him by his election. The Vatican had originally said Benedict would likely be known as “emeritus bishop of Rome” precisely to avoid confusion with the new pope.

But Benedict went ahead with the title and chose to keep wearing the white cassock of the papacy, albeit without the sash and cape worn by Francis, leading to questions about both his own influence on the future pontiff and whether Catholics more favorable to his traditional style might try to undermine his successor’s authority and agenda by keeping their allegiance to the old pope.

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Clearly aware of that potential, Benedict in his last meeting with his cardinals on Feb. 28 pledged his “unconditional reverence and obedience” to the then-unknown future pope, who was nevertheless in the room.

Lombardi said he understood Benedict had repeated that pledge of obedience to Francis on Saturday. Asked how the popes addressed one another, Lombardi demurred, saying he didn’t think they addressed one another as “Your Holiness” or “Pope,” saying the exchange was too familiar and warm for such titles.

The two men couldn’t be more different in style and background: The Argentine-born Francis has made headlines with his simple gestures – no papal regalia, simple black shoes, paying his own hotel bill – and basic message that a pope’s job is to protect the poor.

As archbishop of Buenos Aires, the man now known as Pope Francis worked in the slums, celebrating Masses for prostitutes and drug addicts. He plans to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass this week at a juvenile detention center, where he will wash the feet of 12 inmates in a show of humility echoing that of Jesus.

The German-born Benedict is an academic, one of the world’s leading theologians who spent more than 30 years in the frescoed halls of the Vatican where he was first its chief doctrinal watchdog and then its pope. His primary concern was to remind Christians in Europe of their faith and bring back a more traditional Catholic identity, and with it the brocaded style of the papacy. His Holy Thursday Masses included the traditional foot-washing, but it involved clerics at the St. John Lateran basilica.

While there is a difference in style, there is a “radical” convergence in their spirituality, according to Civilta Cattolica, the Italian Jesuit magazine whose articles are approved by the Vatican before publication.

“They are two figures of the highest spirituality, whose relationship with life is completely anchored in God,” the magazine wrote. “This radicalness is shown in Pope Benedict’s shy and kind bearing, and in Pope Francis it is revealed by his immediate sweetness and spontaneity.”

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Comments (34)

walkintruth
Posted on March 24, 2013 at 3:52pm
St. Malachy said he would be a lamb with two horns and would bring great tribulation. He pretends to be a lamb but is really working for the other side. I am Catholic but know scripture, unlike most Catholics. They did not teach it because then people would be wise to what is about to happen. Everyone needs to start looking up the history of these religions. Somewhere along the way, they changed our traditions and beliefs. The easter bunny doesn’t represent Easter or the resurrection of Christ. It is pagan and it has to do with the fertility goddess. We have been lied to.

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- snooop1e
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 5:22pm
  Besides accepting Jesus Christ as his Personal Lord and Savior, what must Rob Bell do to be SAVED? Other than Jesus Christ sacrifice on the cross what is necessary for Rob Bell to have eternal life? Why are all of YOUR sins covered by Jesus sacrifice on the cross but Rob Bells sins are not? Is Rob Bells sin of accepting gay marriage a worse sin than your sin of sitting in judgement on Rob Bell? Is divorce and remarriage (what Jesus calls Adultery) a worse sin than Rob Bell accepting gay marriage? Why do Evangelical/Protestants sit in judgement of someone who has accepted Jesus Christ as his Personal Lord and Savior. Again I ask, besides FAITH ALONE in Jeus Christ what else must Rob Bell do to have eternal life?
  
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shorelineliz
Posted on March 24, 2013 at 10:15am
SONOFTHUNDER
Posted on March 24, 2013 at 6:27am
Sorry Catholics…. Only God is the Holy Father. You Catholics are duped with all this idol worship of the silly pope. He is only a man and a sinner like you and me.

@Son:
If only Catholics did “worship” the pope then the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse would be en route. Which they probably are. Due to the “worship” of the ‘Anointed One” in Washington, DC. Now that “worship” so totally outshines the “worship” of the Pope, that, well, don’t know what else to say. It’s the sun and moon combined. Oops. Don’t mean to insult the sun and moon god and goddess.

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- walkintruth
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 3:43pm
  I am glad to see someone is paying attention to the pagan worship going on. The first thing this pope did was worship Mary (who is really Venus, not our Mother Mary). Now he gives a gift symbolizing Mary. Jesus is the only one we should worship.
  
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Verceofreason
Posted on March 24, 2013 at 9:48am
This is the ceremonial passing of the little black book.

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- shorelineliz
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 10:07am
  Love the white quilted jacket. Just love it. the frocks are lovely this time of year also.
  
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- Verceofreason
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 1:39pm
  The cape-like back is also darling.
  
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- sarahsnow
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 1:57pm
  u mean “THE BLACK POPE”,,the new pope is Jesuit, go figure
  
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XCitizen
Posted on March 23, 2013 at 8:23pm
Did anybody take notice of how these two..greeted each other?
It was an Islamic embrace with the ‘kissee-poo’ on each others’
cheek and the hug…Somethings not “kosher’ with this set!

Do not think this is just another popularity replacement act.
Someums UP big time., here. Remember Rev. 13

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- tradcatholicgirl
  Posted on March 23, 2013 at 8:48pm
  That embrace is not islamic.
  
  Many European cultures include a kiss on both cheeks as a greeting.
  
  A remark like yours doesn’t seem possible in this day and age of movies, TV and internet.
  
  You’ve really never seen Italian or French people do that??
  
  Report this comment
- firearm
  Posted on March 23, 2013 at 9:30pm
  That is the Catholic version of a secret handshake. That’s how we know you are really a Catholic and not a Democrat.
  
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- NoreenK
  Posted on March 23, 2013 at 11:26pm
  Um, what? Islamic kissy-poo? We get it. You are anti-Catholic, but you just dredged the bottom of the barrel there. My family prayed for you tonight.
  
  Report this comment
- Verceofreason
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 1:41pm
  If you listing closely, you could hear:
  “No tongues, no tongues, the cameras you know,”
  
  Report this comment
- walkintruth
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 3:45pm
  The vatican created the Islamic religion. Look it up. I was shocked to find out the truth. Fatima was named after Mohammed’s daughter.
  
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Eastinfection
Posted on March 23, 2013 at 7:03pm
“We are brothers.”
“WE ARE BROTHERS!!”

… but there can be only one….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8sHtX4c8VI

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- shorelineliz
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 10:10am
  I never heard of a new Pope being elected before the other has passed. Serious breach of Pope Etiquette. the old Pope has a serious back hump too. Not a good picture. In other times these types of pictures wouldn’t be put out. Why the propaganda? Are we supposed to “feel” something by the photo? What a publicity stunt huh? but, in my day, a picture was worth a million bucks! Wonder how much the photographer got paid for these photos? Probably a whole bunch of moola!
  
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NOBALONEY
Posted on March 23, 2013 at 6:35pm
Onocchio an Bibi are best buddies!

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Bullitt2008
Posted on March 23, 2013 at 6:07pm
I’m not a Catholic, but I’m getting sick and tired of all of the Pope-Bashing in the media.
How about Saturday Night Live do a comedy sketch called “D’Mohammed Unchained” to really liven things up?

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watashbuddyfriend
Posted on March 23, 2013 at 5:29pm
I wonder how high the ‘prayers’ got?

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media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on March 23, 2013 at 4:28pm
You two can jump in any time, the water is great? Oh, I don’t know, maybe defend the establishment of religion called marriage?

Did Jesus go inside the towns and hide, so he could do his miracles? Or did he turn around and go to the next town, perform his miracles, and people from everywhere within walking distance come to see him? The reason why saints were crucified up side down, was because they were not told that little tid bit, if you have a choice to hide, or flee, you flee?

You need more than prayer about the religion of Islam, you need common sense, you should be offering free transportation to any Christian that wants to leave an Islamic nation, as long as you have a country willing to let the immigrate? And if they refuse to let them out of the country, then we might have something to talk about?

No, we are not worried about tomorrow, sufficient is the evil today? If that offends the Pope, I don’t want forgiveness?

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Charles321123
Posted on March 23, 2013 at 4:13pm
One of those men will kill the other before it is over.
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- barber2
  Posted on March 23, 2013 at 5:15pm
  Oh, brother.
  
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- firearm
  Posted on March 23, 2013 at 5:53pm
  CHARLES321123 maybe kill em with kindness
  
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- Charles321123
  Posted on March 23, 2013 at 7:10pm
  I certainly hope you are right. Just because every time in history it has turn out differently doesn’t mean this once it will turn out good.
  Here are some words you should look up:
  inquisition
  ratlines
  crusades
  After you have that then look up the history of the popes. Murder, rape, theft, Satan worship are common themes. Now I am a live and let live kind of guy, but I do know history and I am not so foolish as to ignore it. Are you? Best of luck to you and yours.
  
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Exrepublisheep
Posted on March 23, 2013 at 3:25pm
Something fishy there.

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- NoreenK
  Posted on March 23, 2013 at 11:23pm
  Yes. They are fishers of men, as Jesus commanded.
  
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KickinBack
Posted on March 23, 2013 at 3:17pm
I guess you can say it’s a moment of history. Who knows, a thousand years from now, these pics will still be floating around and historians might be saying this is the only time there was a Pope and Pope Emeritus together.

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USALOVER2011
Posted on March 23, 2013 at 2:52pm
God Bless our two Holy Fathers….The old and new!!!

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- barber2
  Posted on March 23, 2013 at 2:56pm
  Agree. Bet old Mad Max won’t , though !
  
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- firearm
  Posted on March 23, 2013 at 3:39pm
  BARBER2, If Max was my neighbor, I’m sure we would get along fine. After all my wife is Protestant and we get along fine, sometimes. lol I can disagree with someone without hating them as I am sure you can too. God will judge everyone individually so I do not pretend to know who the “chosen” ones will be..
  
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- SonOfThunder
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 6:27am
  Sorry Catholics…. Only God is the Holy Father. You Catholics are duped with all this idol worship of the silly pope. He is only a man and a sinner like you and me.
  
  Report this comment
- snooop1e
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 5:19pm
  Besides accepting Jesus Christ as his Personal Lord and Savior, what must Rob Bell do to be SAVED? Other than Jesus Christ sacrifice on the cross what is necessary for Rob Bell to have eternal life? Why are all of YOUR sins covered by Jesus sacrifice on the cross but Rob Bells sins are not? Is Rob Bells sin of accepting gay marriage a worse sin than judging Rob Bell and saying he is no longer SAVED? Is divorce and remarriage (what Jesus calls Adultery) a worse sin than Rob Bell accepting gay marriage? Why do Evangelical/Protestants sit in judgement of someone who has accepted Jesus Christ as his Personal Lord and Savior. Again I ask, besides FAITH ALONE in Jesus Christ what else must Rob Bell do to be SAVED?
  
  Report this comment
- snooop1e
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 9:34pm
  @SONOFTHUMPER – Ever notice that Protestants take verses in the Bible that agree with what they believe LITERALLY and passages that contradict what they believe as symbolic or a metaphor? For instance They take Matt 23 literally but when Jesus says in MATT 5:32 any man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery that is symbolic. Also in John 6:53-56 when Jesus says “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, YOU HAVE NO LIFE IN YOU. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is REAL food and my blood is REAL drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them” They say the word REAL actually means SYMBOLIC. Also in 1 COR 11:27 when Paul says “whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner WILL BE GUILTY OF SINNING AGAINST THE BODY AND THE BLOOD OF THE LORD” Also in 1 COR 11:29 when Paul says “For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves” Also in Romans 2:13 when Paul says “it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous” Also in James 2:24 where the Holy Spirit says “You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone” Protestants completely reject this verse.
  
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- snooop1e
  Posted on March 25, 2013 at 1:17am
  @SONOFTHUMPER – In Luke 16, Jesus refers to Abraham as “father” several times. In Romans 4, Paul refers to Abraham as “father” In Acts 7:1-2, Stephen refers to the authorities and elders as “fathers,” as does Paul in Acts 22. Acts 3:13 says “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus” In Acts 7:32 God tells Moses “I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”. In John 8:39 the Jews tell Jesus “Abraham is our father,” and Jesus does not rebuke them. In 1 COR 4:15 Paul writes “you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” Was Paul sinning when he said he was their spiritual “father”? Why didn’t Jesus rebuke the Jews for calling Abraham “father”? Why did God refer to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as Moses “fathers”? James 2:24 says “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Romans 2:13 says “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. Romans 2:7 says “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” In Matt 7:21 Jesus said “not everyone who calls Lord Lord will enter eternal life but ONLY those who Do the will of My Father who is in heaven. Why don’t you take these verses literally?
  
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