The Dalai Lama on Thursday received the honorary citizenship of Milan, an honour strongly contested by China.
The Tibetan spiritual leader received the laurel from the head of Milan city council, Lamberto Bertolè, ahead of a talk set up by Milan's Bicocca University at the Arcimboldi theatre.
Loud applause rang out and Tibetan flags were waved as the Dalai Lama got the gong, before saying: "Now I'd like to know what my rights and duties are, although I prefer rights".
A small group from Milan's Chinese community protested outside the theatre.
There were moments of tension between them and a group calling fro 'Free Tibet', but no clashes or injuries.
Bicocca University Dean Cristina Messa said from the Arcimboldi stage, "this meeting does not intend to offend anyone".
At a meeting earlier, Milan Archbishop Angelo Scola said "your presence, Holiness, is an encouragement to proceed even more swiftly along the path of dialogue".
The Dalai Lama told Scola: "There are those who appropriate religion to carry on conflicts, but practising religion is practising tolerance, love and compassion".
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