Benedict XVI returned to the Vatican to live in the monastery

Benedicto XVI and Pope Francis

On Thursday morning, Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in February, returned to the Vatican to settle in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, located in its gardens, where he will live permanently.

Joseph Ratzinger, 86, arrived at the Vatican by helicopter at 4:50 pm (9:50 am in Ecuador). He was received by the secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the president of the Governorate (small state governor), Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, and the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, among other dignitaries.

Pope Francisco, elected in March, received him in person at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery gates. For the Catholic world is still a great event to have two popes alive and living in the Vatican, which has not happened in hundreds of years.