Vatican's press secretary: Benedict and Francis had "warm" phone chat
Father Thomas Rosica is a press secretary for the Vatican. He sat down with CBS "Evening News" anchor Scott Pelley about the interaction between the new Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and what people can expect from Pope Francis this weekend.
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Scott Pelley: Has Pope Francis called his predecessor, the pope emeritus, Pope Benedict, just after the election?
Father Thomas Rosica: There was a phone call between the two of them, and I think it would have been a very warm phone call. The pope himself, Pope Francis, told us that that happened, and it's a great way to start off the pontificate. We heard from the balcony, one of the first things that Pope Francis said was, "Join me, please, in saying some prayers of Thanksgiving for him." He invited this massive crowd to pray the "Our Father" and the "Hail Mary" for his predecessor, Pope Benedict.
Pelley: Would you expect the two men to meet?
Father Rosica: It's likely they will meet tomorrow or the next day.
Pelley: Pope Francis is supposed to have a press availability on Saturday. What's that all about?
Father Rosica: Well, it's not just a press conference. He's going to be meeting with all of the journalists, the media, the television personnel who have been here for the past few weeks ... we don't know what form it's going to take yet, as we're putting all of this together. But if this evening was any indication of his way of relating to people, I think we're in for a treat. There's a wonderful pastoral, unscripted air to this main. He's not necessarily bound by strict rules and regulations. I thought I was watching John XXIII on the balcony tonight when I saw him come out.
