The Moynihan Report: Letter #68: Photo of Two Popes in Prayer

May 3, 2013, Friday -- Second Photo of Two Popes   A second photo of the "two Popes" from May 2, the day of Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI's return to the Vatican, has emerged.   The photo depicts Benedict, 86, with Pope Francis, 76, in prayer in the chapel at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican gardens, where Benedict will now be living.   The photo shows the slight difference in the clothing of the two men. Pope Francis wheres a shoulder cape and waist sash that Emeritus Pope Benedict does not wear.   The cross in the chapel is a crucifix, and the altar is close to the wall. It is not clear from this photo how much rrom there is between the altar and the wall and whether one can walk around the altar easily, or not.   The tabernacle is directly below the crucifix, at the center of the altar.   The candles set up on the altar are on the side near the wall, suggesting that Mass at this altar would be celebrated from the side of the altar facing the wall, with the host and chalice raised toward the crucified Christ at the moment of consecration.   Christ is at the center in this simple chapel, on the cross, in the tabernacle, and in relation to the prayer of those kneeling before him.     New Book on Pope Francis   Entitled Pray for Me: The Life and Spiritual Vision of Pope Francis, First Pope from the Americas, my new book on Pope Francis was released yesterday by Random House.   Pray for Me is geared toward those who would like to accompany Pope Francis on his journey of faith in the months and years ahead.   Here are links where you can order the book:   1. Amazon   2. Barnes and Noble   If you would like a signed copy of the book, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-789-9494 in the US. Signed copies will be $30 (all shipping and handling included).   =============================== "Think nothing else but that God ordains all, and where there is no love, put love, and you will draw love out." --St. John of the Cross