Pope set for historic meet with predecessor

Vatican City (AFP): Pope Francis is preparing for a historic meeting with his predecessor Benedict XVI on Saturday, the first time a pontiff will meet a former one since the Middle Ages with both expected to wear the papal white vestments. Francis's papacy is likely to be highly influenced by the vast intellectual legacy left by his predecessor, experts say, but the memory of the German pope emeritus appears to have faded from the minds of many ordinary pilgrims. Despite a stark difference in style, there have already been similarities between speeches given by Latin America's first pope and Benedict. Francis has promised 'friendship and respect' for all faiths and has said he feels close to non-believers. Benedict was a keen promoter of inter religious dialogue and pushed on several occasions for a greater dialogue with atheists.