Tonga’s Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi will help choose the next Pope.
Cardinal Mafi, along with Cardinal Sir John Ribat of Papua New Guinea, are the only Pacific Island cardinals eligible to vote in a future conclave. Both are under the age of 80, meeting the Vatican’s voting age requirement.
At 62, Cardinal Mafi remains the youngest member of the College of Cardinals, having been appointed by Pope Francis in 2015.
The cardinal serves as the Bishop of the Diocese of Tonga. His appointment marked a historic moment as the first cardinal from Tonga.
Speaking on PMN, Cardinal Mafi said, “The College of Cardinals is entrusted with the important role of choosing the next Pope when the time comes. I am humbled to be part of that.”
He also acknowledged the weight of responsibility, describing the process as one grounded in faith and deep reflection.
The Pacific’s growing presence in global Catholic leadership is seen as a significant step towards greater representation of the region’s voices within the Church.
There are currently fewer than 140 cardinal-electors worldwide, giving the Pacific’s two voices a rare and influential role.
