All national flags in Tonga will be flown at half-mast on Saturday, April 26, to honour the funeral of Pope Francis.
The Cabinet announced the tribute in a media briefing yesterday, marking the nation’s respect for the late pontiff, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
Pope Francis died in Vatican City after suffering a stroke, following a period of declining health that included pneumonia and other complications. His funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. local time (9:00 p.m. Tonga time) in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista.
The ceremony is expected to draw dignitaries from around the world, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William representing King Charles III.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was the first Latin American pope and served since 2013. He was known for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and efforts to reform the Catholic Church.
In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in the Vatican.
The Tongan government’s decision to lower flags reflects the nation’s solidarity with the global Catholic community during this period of mourning.
