VATICAN CITY: His Majesty King Mswati III who is currently in Europe has met with His Holiness Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church and head of state of the Vatican City State.
His Majesty and Pope Francis had a half-hour bilateral meeting. As a gift for the king, the Pope gave, among other things, a copy of this year’s message of peace. The King of Eswatini brought as gifts, among other things, a chess set made of wood and glass, a work of local craftsmanship, and two goblets made of glass and silver.
Following a wave of protests in 2021/22, Pope Francis called for reconciliation and peace. After meeting the pope the King proceeded to a tour of the Vatican City.
His Majesty who is accompanied by Liphovela LaZuma wished the Holy See and the Catholic community under the Pope’s guidance good health and success, encouraging them to continue to develop and touch the lives of millions of people.
His Majesty King Mswati III and Liphovela LaZuma today also visited one of the oldest and largest private palaces of Rome, the Palazzo Colonna Palace, which was founded by the Colonna family in the 12th century.
The King was warmly received by Prince Prospero and Princess Jeanne Colonna, the president and vice president of the Palazzo Colonna Foundation. Prince Prospero is a surviving descendent of Pope Mantino (Martin) V, who led the Roman Catholic Church from 1417 to 1431.
The Palazzo Colonna is a block of palatial buildings in the centre of the city of Rome, located at the base of the Quirinal Hill and adjacent to the Basilica of the Holy Apostles. This majestic palace was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman Serapeum.
His Majesty is in Italy where he was attending the FAO world food summit. He is on his way to the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa.
jm/today/18.10.2024
