The Archbishop of Samoa, Father Mosese Vitolio Tui, has reaffirmed that the Catholic Church remains politically neutral and does not endorse any party or candidate as the nation prepares to cast its votes this week.

Archbishop Mosese clarified that while he has personal and professional ties with several prominent leaders, and these do not translate into political endorsement by the Catholic Church. He said the role of the church is to guide the spiritual wellbeing of all people, regardless of which political side they may support.

“The Catholic Church does not have a political party. We are neutral. Our role is to care for the spiritual wellbeing of all people regardless of political affiliation,” Archbishop Mosese stated.

He revealed that political parties had invited him to conduct services at campaign roadshows, but he turned down the requests. He added that he has directed clergy under his leadership to refrain from participating in political rallies to ensure the Church maintains its impartiality.

“I was asked by various political parties to conduct services for their roadshows but I declined, and I have ordered the clergy of the Catholic Church to refrain from doing so,” he said.

Archbishop Mosese also acknowledged his close personal connections with political leaders, saying that Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, and Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt have all played roles in his life. He noted that although these leaders were once united under the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), they later took different political paths.

The Archbishop also made a joking remark about his personal ties with Samoa’s leaders, saying Prime Minister Fiame is his “auntie,” Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is his “father,” and Laaulialemalietoa is his “brother” from the same village.

The Archbishop reflected on his time as principal of Don Bosco Technical College in Apia, a position he held from 1997 to 2006, before later becoming founding principal of Don Bosco College in Salelologa from 2011 to 2017. He said during his tenure as an educator, he often worked with political leaders to support education.

“I remember when I was the principal of Don Bosco, I would seek advice from Fiame, who was the Minister of Education at the time,” he said, referring to Fiame’s service as Minister of Education, Sports and Culture from 1991 to 2006. “And even Laauli and Tuilaepa have helped me over the years.”

Archbishop Mosese said that despite their political divisions, he continues to pray nightly for Samoa’s three senior leaders. “These three were once united under one political party, but they have since gone their separate ways,” he observed.

With the general election drawing near, the Archbishop’s message to the Catholic faithful and the wider public was one of peace and respect. He said the Church’s hope was for a calm and fair election process that would strengthen national unity rather than deepen divisions.

“I pray for peace as the nation goes to the polls this week,” he said.