Former pope Benedict made one of his rare public appearances on Tuesday to be feted by his successor Pope Francis. Two days earlier, Francis had denied reports that Benedict was still exercising influence in the Vatican. Reporters asked Francis on Sunday about reports that Benedict was a sort of parallel pope, still exercising influence. Francis has compared Benedict's presence in the Vatican to having a "wise old grandfather" at home. He said he had heard that when some Church officials had gone to Benedict to complain that he was too liberal, Benedict "sent them packing".

Source: The Star June 29, 2016 08:37 UTC