With camera flashes clicking away, Pope Francis welcomed the King and Queen of Tonga, to the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.
King Tapou VI wore a black suit while Queen Nanasipauâ??u Tukuâ??aho, added a touch of tradition with her camel colored skirt.
Their Majesties traveled to Rome to attend the weekend's Consistory, where Pope Francis elevated the first Cardinal from Tonga, Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi.
The leaders also talked about the country's social and economic issues and the contributions of the Church in some of these areas. Environmental concerns some countries face in the region, were also addressed.
As a gift, the King gave the Pope a framed picture of him and his wife. The Pope in turn gave the royal couple a medallion.
Before meeting with the Vatican's Secretary of State, the Pope, as usual asked the couple, to pray for him.
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