Merry Christmas grandfather

Pope Francis visited Pope emeritus Benedict XVI this afternoon at his residence in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in Vatican City.  The Holy Father wanted to personally present his Christmas greetings to his predecessor.

The two shared a brief moment of prayer together in the chapel of the monastery, and then sat together for a private meeting which lasted roughly thirty minutes.

Pope Francis greeted various members of the Pontiff emeritus' household, including Archbishop Georg Ganswein, Prefect of the Papal Household and personal secretary to Benedict XVI, as well as the members of the Memores Domini, lay members of Communion and Liberation who care for the Pope emeritus' household.

Pope Francis told reporters travelling with him on the plane from Rio de Janeiro to Rome last July that he considers having the Pope emeritus at the Vatican not unlike having a grandfather living in the home.  If I have any trouble, I can go and talk to him ...