His Eminence Cardinal Mafi (53) has become Tonga's first cardinal following his appointment by Pope Francis during a consistory, on February 14 at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

The sacred ceremony attended by HM Queen Nanasipau'u was broadcasted and watched live on national television in Nuku’alofa.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was present at the ceremony which saw 19 of the 20 new cardinals presented with scarlet red birettas and gold rings, apart from Colombian Cardinal José de Jesús Pimiento Rodriguez (95) who was not able to make the trip.

At the same time, family and Tongan Catholics from Tonga and abroad with non-Catholics, including a former President of the Free Wesleyan Church Rev Dr ‘Alifeleti Mone, were among those who travelled to the Vatican to witness the ceremony.

The Catholic Church head office in Nuku’alofa said today the Cardinal will return to Tonga on February 26 and will hold his first mass as Cardinal on March 1 in Ma'ufanga.

The church is also planning to hold a traditional celebration of feasting and dancing in honour of his new position on April 11, after the lent season.

Cardinal Mafi is the youngest member of the College of Cardinals whose primary job is to elect the next Pope. They are also tasked to advise the Pope on church matters.

He is among 15 voting age cardinals of the 20 new cardinals, as only those under the age of 80 can vote in a conclave to decide on the new pontiff.

The Pope made five elderly churchmen cardinals age over 80 in honour of their service of the Church.

Tonga and Niue

Bishop Soane Patita Paini Mafi was consecrated as Coadjutor Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tonga and Niue on October 5, 2007.