Pope Francis visited his predecessor on the Thursday before Christmas, stopping in to bring his Christmas greetings to Benedict XVI in his home at the Mater Ecclesiae convent.
The Vatican press office reported about the visit on Tuesday.
The pope and pope emeritus prayed together briefly and then visited for about a half hour, the press office said.
Francis visits Benedict at least at Christmas and Easter, and also accompanies the new cardinals when they go to visit the retired pope after receiving their red hats.