Christmas greetings to his predecessor

Pope Francis called Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI on Tuesday of this week to wish him Merry Christmas. The Director of the Holy See Press Office confirmed the telephone conversation between the Pope and his predecessor yesterday.

In a brief conversation, [Pope Francis] greeted and wished a Happy Christmas to his predecessor, Father Lombardi confirmed.

Earlier this month, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, Prefect of the Papal Household and personal secretary to Benedict XVI, confirmed that the Pope emeritus will spend the Christmas season with his brother.

Rome Reports news agency reported that Archbishop Ganswein told journalists that Fr. Georg Ratzinger will arrive at the Pope Emeritus’ residence after Christmas and will stay until the end of January.