Pope Francis: meets Pope Emeritus and cancels his papers

Until recent events unfolded, today's meeting in Castel Gandolfo would have been beyond anyone's imagination. It is almost impossible to know quite how the moment should be described.

In the chapel, the Pope emeritus offered the place of honour to Pope Francis, who instead responded “We are brothers” and wanted them to share the same kneeler.

Vatican information service news report: FR. LOMBARDI: “THE MEETING WAS A MOMENT OF PROFOUND COMMUNION BETWEEN THE TWO”

Photographs: The Meeting at Castel Gandolfo.

Video (and, as noticed here, see just how frail Pope Emeritus Benedict is): Lunch with Two Popes.

The following report appears on page 18 of the Times newspaper today, underneath a photograph of a smiling Pope Francis:

Stop Press: Pope cancels his papers

He took the name St Francis to signal his humility, and the new pontiff has shown a common touch by cancelling his own papers. Daniel del Regno, the son of a news stand owner in Buenos Aires, received the call: "It's Jorge Bergoglio, I'm calling you from Rome". The Pope explained that due to a recent change in his address he would no longer require daily delivery. Mr Del Regno told La Nacion: "I was in shock".

One assumes that the Times applied due journalistic diligence before deciding to run this story from another newspaper. Though one is also tempted to think that they have instead breached the embargo on a story due out on 1st April.

Are we gaining a glimpse of Pope Francis' sense of humour or that of Mr del Regno?