Aumua Amata laments the passing of Cardinal Pio
January 23, 2006

January 23, 2006

Aumua Amata today offered her deepest sympathy on the death of Cardinal Pio Taofinu'u, the first Pacific Islander ever to serve as a Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church and the first ever Polynesian Roman Catholic Bishop.

Said Amata, "Like many many Catholics, I was devastated by the news of the Cardinal's passing. We all loved him throughout the region and we will never forget him."

Aumua stated, "He was truly a pioneer in many different ways and brought ancient Samoan traditions into the Church's Eucharistic celebrations."

Said Amata, "My family and I offer our heartfelt condolences to all the clergy, religious and laity in both Samoas as well as throughout the region. At this time of sorrow I join with our people in praying that the soul of our Cardinal, through the mercy of God, rests in peace in Heaven."