THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Pope Francis has flown in for lunch with his predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in a cliff-top castle outside Rome - the first such encounter for nearly 720 years.
The Argentine Pope has flown 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.
Crowds gathered in the central square of Castel Gandolfo this morning to catch a glimpse of something that has not been seen in centuries: two Popes together. After Francis's 15 minute helicopter ride, the two Popes – both dressed in white vestments – will sit down for a meeting before having lunch together in the magnificent castle, which is perched on the edge of an escarpment that plunges down to a cobalt blue volcanic lake.
The Vatican spokesman promised a general comment about the meeting, but no detailed statement.
There has been enormous speculation about what the two men in white might have to say to one another after making history together. Benedict's unprecedented resignation paved the way for the first pope from Latin America, the first Jesuit, and the first to call himself Francis after the 13th century friar who devoted himself to the poor, nature and working for peace. » | Nick Squires, in Rome, and agencies | Saturday, March 23, 2013
