Former pope Benedict in St Peter's Basilica for new cardinals

VATICAN CITY, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Former Pope Benedict on Saturday made a surprise entrance into St. Peter's Basilica to attend a ceremony at which his successor, Pope Francis, was elevating 19 prelates to the high rank of cardinal.

Benedict, who resigned a year ago, sat quietly wearing a long white overcoat in the front row along with other cardinals. It was the first time he has attended a papal ceremony since his resignation, although he and Francis have met several times.

(Reporting By Philip Pullella; Editing by Janet Lawrence)

((philip.pullella@thomsonreuters.com))

Keywords: POPE CONSISTORY/BENEDICT