Rome, Italy, Apr 21, 2005 / 22:00 pm
In what was his second visit outside Vatican territory in less than 48 hours since his election as Pontiff, Benedict XVI spent three hours yesterday at his former residence, where he met with friends and collaborators. He was met with applause and cheers as he made his way through the streets of Rome, to which the Pope responded with smiles and affectionate greetings.
The Pope made the same trip to his former apartment on Wednesday.
Benedict continues to reside temporarily at the St. Martha Residence, where the rest of the cardinals have been staying during the Conclave, until some minor remodeling of the papal apartments is completed.
The director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Joaquin Navarro Valls, announced that Benedict XVI will meet on Monday with the thousands of Germans expected to arrive over the weekend for his solemn inaugural Mass.