King and Queen of Tonga Visit the Vatican

The King and Queen of Tonga paid a visit to the Vatican today, where they had an audience with Pope Francis.

During their audience at the Apostolic Palace, the Pope and King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho discussed recent political developments in Tonga, as well as the contributions of the Catholic Church to Tongan society (15% of Tonga’s population identify as Roman Catholic). Environmental problems facing the Pacific Islands were also discussed.

In a statement released by the Vatican, King Tupou express his “satisfaction at the election of the first Cardinal from the Pacific archipelago.” Bishop Soane Patita Paini Mafi was one of 20 to be made members of the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis on February 14.

The main purpose of the Royal Couple’s visit to Italy is the IFAD’s 38th Governing Council in Rome, where the King will deliver a keynote address.

Filed under Tonga
Tagged Audience, Official Visit, Pope Francis, Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho of Tonga, Religion, Tupou VI of Tonga, Vatican City.