Pope Francis Makes Christmas Visit to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Pope Francis visited Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI this afternoon at his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in Vatican City.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the Holy Father went to personally give his Christmas greetings to the Pontiff Emeritus.

“After a brief prayer together in the Chapel, they met for a private meeting that lasted roughly 30 minutes in a room in the residence,” a communique stated.

Pope Francis greeted members of the Pope Emeritus’ household, including Archbishop Georg Ganswein, Prefect of the Pontifical Household and personal secretary of Benedict XVI. The Holy Father also greeted the “Memores Domini”, lay members of Communion and Liberation who take care of the Pontiff Emeritus’ household.

During the press conference held in his plane after World Youth Day in Brazil, Pope Francis likened Benedict XVI presence in the Vatican to having a “wise grandfather living at home.”

"If I've any trouble I can go and talk to him, as I did over the Vatileaks scandal,” the Pope said on July 28th.