Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi returned to Tonga on February 26 after what he described as a “humbling” experience in Rome. The Tongan cardinal was given his red hat by Pope Francis at the Vatican on February 14. On his arrival back in Tonga, Cardinal Mafi said he had not been given any permanent role Read more
Pope Francis has met Tongan King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. They later met Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States. King Tupou expressed his satisfaction at the election of the first Cardinal from Tonga, Cardinal Soane Patita Read more
Having a cardinal means the world to Tongans says the country’s fourth-ever bishop and now first cardinal, Soane Mafi. When he gets back to Tonga the good times will roll, Tongan-style, Cardinal Mafi told CruxNow. “Many pigs will be killed!” he told John Allen, quickly adding “I’ll try to save as many as I can”. Tens Read more
Soane Patita Paini Mafi became Tonga’s first Cardinal at ceremony that took place at 11pm on Saturday New Zealand time. Vatican Insider described the scene after the ceremony: “Tonga’s first Cardinal was, “Surrounded by faithful and relatives who have formed a chorus and are singing a traditional song at the top of their voices.” “There Read more