Continuing the Christmas festivities in the Vatican, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI visited Casa Santa Marta for lunch with Pope Francis.
The Holy Father invited his predecessor following his Christmas visit to Benedict XVI’s residence at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in Vatican City.
According to Vatican Radio, also present at the festive luncheon were the Pontiff’s respective secretaries, as well as Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States and Msgr. Bryan Wells, Assessor for General Affairs of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State.
Both Pontiffs have shown genuine affection and respect for each since Francis’ election. The 77 year old Pontiff likened Benedict XVI’s presence in the Vatican to having a “wise grandfather living at home.”
“If I have any trouble, I can go and talk to him, as I did over the Vatileaks scandal,” Francis said in a press conference after World Youth Day.
