Delegates to the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific, CEPAC, started arriving on Sunday.
Among the first arrivals was his Eminence Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi of the Diocese of Tonga and Niue.
Cardinal Mafi is a distinguished figure in the Catholic Church, being the first cardinal from Tonga.
Born on December 19, 1961, he was ordained a priest in 1991 and has since dedicated his life to serving the Church and his community with great devotion and humility.
He was appointed as Bishop of Tonga in 2008, and in 2015, Pope Francis elevated him to the College of Cardinals, making him the youngest cardinal at the time.
Cardinal Mafi is known for his compassionate leadership and commitment to addressing issues such as climate change.
His efforts extend beyond spiritual leadership, as he actively engages with global forums to advocate for the needs and rights of his people.
He was greeted at the airport by Most Reverend Bishop Kolio Etuale, Diocesan Chairman Faiivae Godinet, the Catholic Tongan Community, and the Diocesan VIP Committee.
Others who have arrived for the meeting of are the Archbishop pf Samoa His Grave mosese Vitolio Tui and the Archbishop of Noumea, New Caledonia, His Grace Susitino Lagiava Sionepoe.
The conference begins tomorrow, Wednesday, and an opening Mass will be held at the Holy Family Cathedral Fatuoaiga, at 9am.
