Two popes attend gathering for elderly at Vatican

2014-09-28 31

Pope Francis walks out onto St. Peter's Square Sunday...

...and embraces former Pope Benedict -- as Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performs "Con Te Partiro".

This is only the third time the former pontiff has made a public appearance since his resignation in February 2013.

During the event for elderly people, Pope Francis pays heed to the 87-year-old Benedict.

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS SAYING:

"I have said many times that I really like him living here in the Vatican, because it is like having a wise grandfather at home. Thank you! "

Addressing some 40,000 elderly people, the Pope denounces the neglect and abandonment of the old.

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS SAYING:

"How many times are old people just discarded, victims of an abandonment that is tantamount to hidden euthanasia. This is the result of a throw-away culture that is hurting our world so much,"

After the event, Benedict makes his way back home...

...whil