Posted by Richard on 19/3/2012, 2:04:16, in reply to "Re: Pope receives King of Tonga"
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King Tupou V of Tonga died overnight, see article below. Perhaps his visit to the Pope last month was more than just a social one. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/tongas-reformist-king-tupou-v-dies-aged-63/story-e6frg6so-1226303690080 --Previous Message-- : The Holy See is an international entity : independently from the Vatican City State, : that is merely a practical : "escamotage" that permits the pope : to have a complete independence from other : states. : The pope derives his "importance" : not because is the head of the Vatican State : but because he is the leader of the Catholic : church (otherwise he would not be more : important than the leaders of San Marino or : whatever mini-state you may think). : The Vatican state does not even have : international relationships with other : states, all international relationships are : with the Holy See. : There was a time when Christian heads : countries recognised that their power was : somehow due to bow to the power of the pope, : now things are different but you still see : Christian (or at least catholic) queens : courtseying to the pope and kings kissing : his ring. Evidently the king of Tonga : recognizes the pope's high role, even if he : is not personally a catholic. : : --Previous Message-- : Probably my ignorance, but I do'n see a : difference in rank. Vatican city has the : status of a country, so does Tonga and it : wouldn't surprise me if Tonga would be : bigger in size . : : --Previous Message-- : As a mark of respect for somebody of higher : rank. : : --Previous Message-- : If the king is Anglican, or protestant : anyway, : why would he kiss the pope's hand ? : : --Previous Message-- : : : :