It was the first meeting between a reigning pope and a former pope in at least 600 years. The two Popes prayed together at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence where Benedict has been living since his abdication, and spoke alone for around 45 minutes before having something to eat.

In the chapel, Benedict offered the place of honour – a kneeler before the altar – to Francis. But his successor declined, saying: “We are brothers, we pray together.”

Francis brought a gift, an icon of the Madonna, and told his elder that it’s known as the “Madonna of Humility”.

“I thought of you,” Francis said. “You gave us so many signs of humility and gentleness in your pontificate.” Benedict replied: “Grazie, grazie.”

From The Independent