Today’s private meeting between the Pope and the prince, who was accompanied by an entourage of six people, took place in the papal library and lasted some 15 minutes.
The new sovereign met later with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, and then went down to the Vatican Grottoes to render homage at the tomb of Pope John Paul II.
Benedict XVI and Albert II met briefly on April 24 during the Mass to inaugurate the new pontificate. The prince, whose father, Ranier of Monaco, died on April 6, was unable to attend John Paul II’s funeral.
Benedict XVI greeted the journalists covering today’s event to wish them «a good Advent period and happy Christmas,» reported Vatican Radio.
