BANGKOK -- Pope Francis met with Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the country's top Buddhist leader in Bangkok on Thursday, sending a carefully choreographed message of religious reconciliation and peace.
The pope was greeted by the king and Queen Suthida at the palace entrance. Though details of their conversation have not been revealed, according to the Thai Royal Palace, they shook hands, exchanged gifts and had a brief conversation. The pontiff also visited Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram, an important Buddhist temple in central Bangkok, on Thursday for talks with Patriarch Somdej Phra Maha Muneewong.
.jpg?width=178&fit=cover&gravity=faces&dpr=2&quality=medium&source=nar-cms&format=auto&height=100)
