On a day full of messages, emails and tweets, the greetings of Benedict XVI to his successor Pope Francis for his 80th birthday couldn’t be lacking.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office on Saturday, the Pope Emeritus sent a very affectionate, written message that was particularly appreciated by the Argentine Pope.
Then, in the afternoon, Benedict called Francis personally.
Moreover, the press office noted, the Emeritus Pontiff sent Pope Francis three small gifts that were received as “three very personal and significant signs for both of them.”
The Vatican did not specify what these gifts were.
