Today Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who had been staying at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo since February 28th when he resigned the papacy and pledged his reverence and obedience to whoever the cardinals would elect to succeed him as Supreme Pontiff, returned to the Vatican to stay at his new residence, the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican Gardens. Benedict XVI was formally welcomed at the Vatican heliport by Cardinal Bertone (Secretary of State and Camerlengo), Cardinal Bertello (President of the Vatican City Governorate), Cardinal Sodano (Dean of the College of Cardinals) as well as some other bishops.
Pope Francis welcomed Benedict XVI at the entrance to the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery. Francis and Benedict went then went to the monastery chapel and prayed. Benedict XVI will be living in this renovated monastery, along with Archbishop Georg Ganswein (his secretary and also currently the Prefect of the Papal Household), and the four consecrated women who do the housekeeping and prepare meals. The monastery also has a guest room available, for when Benedict's older brother, Mons. Georg Ratzinger visits. The Monastery includes a small library and a study for Benedict to use.
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