In pictures: Pope Francis meets predecessor
- Published
Pope Francis, right, has held a historic meeting with his predecessor, Benedict, for a private working lunch at the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo.
The new Pope arrived by helicopter and was embraced by Benedict, now known as Pope Emeritus, who is the first Pope in six centuries to resign.
The two men then prayed together in the villa's chapel before speaking in private for about 45 minutes. Pope Francis insisted on kneeling side by side with his predecessor, rather than using the padded papal kneeler prepared for him.
Traditionally, the head of the Roman Catholic Church is elected on the death of his predecessor and this was the first time such a meeting was possible for more than 600 years.
A large crowd gathered outside the gates of Castel Gandolfo holding photographs of both Popes and chanting "Francesco! Francesco!" However, the Vatican made it clear they probably wouldn't see anything.
The Pope emeritus is expected to stay on at Castel Gondolfo until new accommodation being prepared for him inside the walls of Vatican City is ready at the end of April.