Catholic and Coptic popes meet in Rome when Francis I meets Tawadros II

This photo taken and issued as a handout on May 10, 2023 by the Vatican Media shows Pope Francis (Front R) posing with leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Pope Tawadros II (Pope Theodore II) (Front L), Coptic Orthodox Bishop of London, Anba Angaelos (Rear C-L) and other Coptic prelates during the weekly general audience at St. Peter's square in The Vatican. AFP - HANDOUT

There were once again two popes at the Vatican Wednesday, at least briefly, when Pope Francis welcomed Pope Tawadros II, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, to his weekly audience.

Francis, the 86-year-old head of the global Catholic Church, embraced the Egyptian patriarch in St Peter's Square before the pair took to the stage, where they both addressed the rain-soaked crowds.