Pope calls Benedict to wish him well for saint day
Pope emeritus' birth name Joseph Ratzinger
19 March, 19:19
(ANSA) - Rome, March 19 - Pope Francis phoned Benedict XVI
on Tuesday shortly after 5pm to wish him well for St Joseph's
day, the pope emeritus' saint day, Vatican sources said.Francis, who was inaugurated earlier Tuesday becoming the 266th pope, called Benedict to offer his "best wishes on the occasion of the name day of St Joseph, to show his gratitude, and that of the Church, for his service," the Vatican press office said.
He also paid tribute to his predecessor at the inauguration mass of his papacy.
"It is a coincidence rich with significance that today is also the feast of my venerated predecessor, to whom we are close in prayer, full of affection and gratitude," Francis said.
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