Dressed in a white and beige cloak and with a sword tucked into his waistband, the King of Bahrain met with Pope Francis in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.
The Pope and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, held a 27 minute meeting, where they talked about peace and stability in the Middle East and also the contribution of Christians in the country, which make up about 10 percent of the population.
As a gift, the King gave the Pope a 3 foot long model of a church that will be built in Bahrain, which according to the King, will be the largest parish in the Arab peninsula. He also added that two mosques, one modern the other ancient, will be near the construction site.
The Pope gave him a medallion of the angel of peace.
POPE FRANCIS
'The Angel defeats the devil.â?
The all male entourage included officials dressed in traditional clothing and the other half in Western suits.
Even though a translator helped them out during their meeting, before heading out, the Pope said a few words in English.
POPE FRANCIS
'Your Majesty, thank you very much. Pray for me.â?
At the end of his meeting with the Pope, the King had a meeting with the Vatican's Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin.
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