We have achieved papal singularity. Newly-elected Pope Francis meets Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
On Feb. 28, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI travelled to the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, delivered a final blessing to the crowds gathered to wish him farewell and officially stepped retired as supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church.
Image by Uncredited / AP
The pope emeritus deliberately kept out of the public eye as the new supreme pontiff was being chosen. Only one post-retirement image was seen during the conclave - a paparazzi photo of the former pope taken from a tree overlooking the papal residence.
Image by VINCENZO PINTO / Getty Images
Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis on March 13. A Vatican spokesman reported that Francis's first act as pope was to offer a prayer for his predecessor via telephone.
Image by Dylan Martinez / Reuters
This past Saturday, ten days after being named as the new leader of the Church, Pope Francis flew to meet with his predecessor for a historic summit.
Image by Franco Origlia / Getty Images
