By Katalina Siasau
The Papal flag and diplomatic flags were flown at half staff in Nuku'alofa today following the passing of Pope Francis on Monday at the Vatican.
His Eminence Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi, Bishop of Tonga and Niue, is scheduled to depart for Rome this week, following the passing of Pope Francis on Monday.
Tonga's Vicar General, Monsignor Lutoviko Finau, told Matangi Tonga today that they are working to arrange the Cardinal's departure, while the date and time for Pope Francis's funeral has yet to be confirmed by the Vatican.
Monsignor Finau is scheduled to visit the Royal Palace tomorrow, 23 April, to formally inform the King on the passing of the Pope. He said this visit to the Palace is on a "diplomatic level between the relationship of Rome and Tonga.”
The Vatican is a separate government, despite being located in Rome, the capital of Italy. Its governmental leader is the Pope, who is also the head of the Catholic Church throughout the world.
Monsignor Finau will also officially communicate the news to government and church leaders in Tonga.
The Roman Catholic Church in Tongatapu will hold a Requiem Mass for the Pope, at the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral, in Ma’ufanga, upon the date of the Pope's funeral, said Vicar General. Meanwhile, the congregations in the outer islands will arrange their own Masses.
Monsignor Finau said any observances at this time will occur at the diocese level, both in Tonga and worldwide.
“Local priests will lead prayers for the Pope at their respective parishes," he said.
Half-staff flag for Pope Francis
The Papal Flag is flown half-staff at Kāingafoʻou Residence, Cardinal Mafi’s residence in Vaolōloa, in Tongatapu, today. (The Papal Flag is only hoisted fully at the Kāingafoʻou Residence when a Pope’s Representative or Nuncio is in Tonga to meet the King.)
Meanwhile, the United States and the United Kingdom embassies in Tongatapu are paying tribute to His Holiness Pope Francis, by flying their flags at half-staff.
The conclave
Cardinals from around the world will travel to Rome to attend the funeral and participate in the conclave, where they will elect the new Pope.
After the Pope’s death, the cardinals will convene a series of meetings known as general congregations to prepare for the papal election.
Cardinal Mafi is a member of the College of Cardinals and can vote in a conclave to decide on the new pontiff.
