Pope Francis meets with Naruhito, emperor of Japan
Naruhito ascended to the throne last May. This has been one of his most important meetings as emperor.
There were many expectations for this meeting.
Emperor Naruhito welcomed the pope in person at the entrance to the Imperial Palace. The incessant sound of reporters' flashing cameras further demonstrated the significance of the event.
As a young Jesuit, Pope Francis had wanted to become a missionary in Japan. Now, he was in the country, meeting with the emperor of the country of the Rising Sun. Naruhito ascended to the throne last May.
They talked privately for a few minutes with the help of translators. They discussed diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Japan since 1942.
