Tonga will observe toumoloto ‘o e fuka’, a traditional practice of lowering flags to half-mast as a sign of respect, on Saturday, April 26, in honour of the late Pope Francis.
The Cabinet confirmed the national tribute during a media briefing yesterday, reflecting the Kingdom’s deep reverence for the departed pontiff.
Meanwhile, all Catholic churches in Tonga have been draped in violet, the Church’s liturgical colour (sometimes referred to as purple), traditionally associated with Lent, Advent, and periods of mourning.
Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 in Vatican City. His death followed a period of declining health, including complications from pneumonia and a recent stroke.
His funeral will take place at 10am Vatican Time (8pm Tonga Time) in St. Peter’s Square, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista presiding over the ceremony.
As a predominantly Christian nation, Tonga joins the global Catholic community in mourning the loss of a figure widely admired for his humility, compassion, and advocacy for the marginalised. Government offices, schools, and institutions across the Kingdom will fly their flags at half-mast on Saturday in solemn remembrance.
“The passing of Pope Francis is a profound loss not only for Catholics but for all who valued his message of peace and unity,” said a government representative. “Tonga stands in solidarity with the world in paying our respects.”
The late Pope’s legacy of interfaith dialogue and social justice resonated deeply in Tonga. Since the announcement of his death, Tongans have widely shared photos on Facebook of their visits to the Vatican, many wearing traditional taʻovala and kahoa kakala while posing with the Pope.
Among the most poignant images is one of a Tongan nun placing a kahoa kakala—a highly significant and precious native gift, around the pontiff’s neck.
Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi, visibly emotional, repeatedly praised Pope Francis for appointing him as Tonga’s first Cardinal. He is now in Rome as part of a delegation to bid farewell to the late pontiff.
