CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP) - Pope Francis has arrived at the papal residence south of Rome for an extraordinary date with his predecessor Benedict XVI, who met him at the helipad and escorted him to his library for a private chat followed by lunch.

Outside the villa, the main piazza of Castel Gandolfo was packed Saturday with well-wishers hoping to catch a glimpse of history: two popes breaking bread together and presumably discussing the future of the Catholic Church.

They chanted "Francesco! Francesco!" Benedict has been living at the papal summer villa since he resigned Feb. 28, the first pope to step down in 600 years. He has said he plans to live out his final years in prayer and remain "hidden from the world."