Pope Francis on Tuesday
embraced Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on the 65th anniversary of
his predecessor's ordination as a priest, saying "your healthy
and joyful sense of humour does us good".
Francis, 79, also told the 89-year-old Benedict, who
abdicated in February 2013, that "your loyalty does good to me
and the Church.
He said that Benedict, a top theologian, "continues to
serve the Church with vigour".
Benedict replied: "Thank you for your kindness, I feel
protected".
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