Pope Francis Meets Benedict XVI Before the Summer Holidays

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis visited Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Tuesday morning at his residence, the former Convent Mater Ecclesiae, located in the Vatican Gardens, to greet him and wish him a pleasant stay in the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo in the Roman hills. The meeting lasted approximately a half hour.

Father Federico Lombardi, Director of the Holy See Press Offices, told reporters that the Pope Emeritus travelled to the summer retreat earlier today and will remain there for the next two weeks. He is scheduled to return to the Vatican on July 14th.