Benedict joins Francis in cardinal-making ceremony

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, center, is flanked by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, left, and followed by Archbishop Georg Gaensweing as he arrives for a consistory inside the St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Saturday. AP

VATICAN CITY—Former Pope Benedict XVI has joined Pope Francis in a ceremony creating the cardinals who will elect their successor in an unprecedented blending of papacies past, present and future.

Francis greeted Benedict, sitting in the front row of St. Peter’s Basilica along with the cardinals, with an embrace before approaching the altar.

Benedict entered St. Peter’s Basilica surrounded by a small entourage and was greeted with applause and tears from people in the pews.

It is the first time Benedict and Francis have appeared together at a liturgical ceremony since Benedict retired a year ago and became the first pope to step down in 600 years.

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