Tonga's national flags will be flown at half-staff tomorrow, Saturday 26 April, in respect of the funeral of HH Pope Francis at the Vatican City in Rome.

The Catholic Church in Tonga is preparing to hold a memorial Mass for their late Holy Father Pope Francis, to be held tomorrow, Saturday, at 6:00pm, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Mary in Ma'ufanga, Tongatapu. HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, is expected to attend.

The Mass will be attended by the Diocese of Tonga, led by Vicar General Monsignor Lutoviko Finau. In Nukuʻalofa, all Churches of the Diocese have been adorned with purple and black cloth, signifying the Church's mourning.

Catholic churches worldwide will hold funeral Masses at the same time as Pope's funeral, scheduled for Saturday, 26 April, at 10:00 AM (Vatican local time) in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.

Tonga's Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Taniela Fusimalohi announced yesterday, a Cabinet decision that all national flags in Tonga are to be flown at half-staff tomorrow for the late Pope Francis.

Tonga Cabinet ministers present observed a one-minute silence in honor of the Pope before their weekly media briefing yesterday.