The Pope Emeritus makes a rare appearance

Pope Francis was joined by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI today for the blessing of a statue of St. Michael the Archangel and for the consecration of Vatican City to the protection of the saint.

The statue was commissioned by Pope Benedict during his pontificate and is by Giuseppe Antonio Lomuscio. These lovely photographs of the blessing in the Vatican Gardens appeared on Facebook earlier today. (Click below to reveal all twelve photos)