Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 0800 GMT, (8:00pm Fiji Time), at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican said in a statement. The body of Pope Francis has placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican. The body of Pope Francis will be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. (0700 GMT), the Vatican said. His body is currently laid out in a coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his 12-year papacy. RPT

NEGOTIATIONS on a direct flight between Nadi and Shanghai in China are close to being finalised and will help strengthen ties between Fiji and China. This was confirmed to this newspaper by China’s Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian during a press conference last week on the worsening trade war between China and the United States of America (US). “With China and Fiji at the negotiation table for the details of the direct flight between Nadi and Shanghai, both sides are very positive and we’re coming closer and closer so we are expecting to finalise negotiations by the end of this year,” Mr Zhou said. “I myself am looking forward to this good news from both sides.” The flight, he said, should take roughly 10 hours. “The most important thing is it will greatly facilitate Chinese tourists coming to Fiji. “For example, if Chinese people take a flight at five o’...

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday, ending an often turbulent reign marked by division and tension as he sought to overhaul the hidebound institution. He was 88, and had recently survived a serious bout of double pneumonia. “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel. “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013, surprising many Church watchers who had seen the Argentine cleric, known for his concern for the poor, as an outsider. He sought to project simplicity into the grand role and never took possession of the ornate papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace...

FIJI is leading talks of deeper economic ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and has announced the fast tracking of negotiations for a landmark UAE-PICs regional Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The decision, according to a statement from the Ministry of Trade, was made during a high-level virtual meeting last week, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica and UAE representative Omar Al-Omar. “This partnership has the potential to reshape the Pacific’s trade landscape,” Mr Kamikamica said. “We are pleased that the UAE is ready to engage and move at pace with us to secure real outcomes for our region.” The agreement’s framework is expected to be introduced at the Pacific Trade Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for July 9–11 in Fiji. “If endorsed, negotiations will continue through August, with a target to finalise and announce the deal at the Pacific Islands Forum...

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expecting weaker tourism growth in the Pacific over the next year. This is likely to dampen economic growth in the region to an average of 3.9 per cent in 2025 and 3.6 per cent in 2026. And it is projecting lower than regional average growth for Fiji. In its flagship Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2025 released this week, ADB said the outlook reflected expected easing in tourism, a key growth driver in many economies in the subregion, and muted petroleum production in Papua New Guinea (PNG), the subregion’s largest economy. “Despite the growth that has been realised in recent years, the Pacific remains at risk from external shocks,” said ADB director general for the Pacific Emma Veve, adding that ADB remained committed to helping build resilience as well as further improve public service delivery and promote inclusive and sustainable growth in the subregion....

A plea to save a dog from suffocation on a social media page resulted in positive action within hours today. Arun Rawat posted on  Pets Fiji Free Adoptions Rescue & Support social media that a dog was chained with a padlock around its neck in Sigatoka. “Is anyone out there who can help me save an innocent life,” he said on social media. Opposition member of parliament, Rinesh Sharma got involved and called the Sigatoka Police Station. Hoping for the best. I have called a few residents to visit this site as well,” he said. “Animal welfare laws are outdated and it’s on my agenda since last year for amendment.” Residents in the area managed to free Romeo and arranged for a cage and vehicle to transport him to Animals Fiji. “Any donations towards to cover his fare and medical bill please do directly to Animals Fiji. Big thanks everyone,”...

BALE Vetaukula’s hat-trick helped clinch a 34-28 win for the Kaiviti Silktails against Melbourne Storm in round seven of the New South Wales Rugby League Jersey Flegg Cup competition in Australia yesterday. The five-eighth’s triple feat was achieved in a consecutive spell at the 33rd, 37th and 51st minute of play. Adding to those points were two Akuila Qoro in the 18th and 76th minute while Iowani Mainalovo scored in the 29th minute. There were five successful conversions made by Mainalovo in the match. Tries for the Storm were made by Gabriel Satrick, Josiah-Ekkehard Neli, Zayvian Langkilde-Fale and two by Siulagi Pio. The scores at halftime stood at 22-6 for the Silktails. The Silktails have now won three of the six matches. RPT

Nightlife revival THE Suva City Council (SCC) appears to be placing questionable priorities by planning to revive nightlife in the capital — so much so that they’ve gone as far as creating a new position solely to lead this initiative (FT 18/04). But is the council truly serious about this direction? Filthy Suva is already grappling with a long list of pressing urban issues. Nightclub brawls, some of which have turned fatal, have become a disturbing hallmark of the city’s nightlife. Violent, intoxicated individuals and glue-sniffing youths roam the CBD, often preying on innocent passers-by. Drug abuse is prevalent in every corner of town and law enforcement efforts to curb this menace seem ineffective as usual. Homelessness and poverty are increasing like a plague by the day. With all these compelling challenges escalating, one would expect the SCC to focus its energy and resources on cleaning up the city and...

THE current electoral laws are preventing Rotumans and other minority groups from having a seat in Parliament, according to retired schoolteacher Ralifo Nasario. During a public consultation with the Fiji Law Reform Commission on Rotuma this week, Mr Nasario called for the introduction of reserved seats to ensure representation for minority groups. He said the communal voting system must be reintroduced or amended to “level the plain” for smaller communities like Rotuma. “There should be reserved seats for minority groups,” Mr Nasario said. “Unfortunately, we were not elected. “A few candidates stood for the election, including Rotuman national Dr John Fatiaki, but we still didn’t manage to secure a seat.” He said the current electoral framework puts minority groups at a disadvantage, making it difficult for their voices to be heard in national decision-making. “If the communal role keeps going like this, it’s very hard for us to get in...

Today is Good Friday! It’s the start of the long Easter weekend. For Christians, today is about reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. They will reflect on the events that took place on Mount Calvary and what it means to their faith. This special weekend holds different meanings for different people. Some will look to renew their faith, to relive the special moments that have been etched on their minds from the day they were taught about Christianity. They have great faith in what is written in the Bible. For many Fijians, there is an opportunity to unwind and enjoy a four-day weekend. Many will let their hair down and enjoy time with family and friends. Some will strengthen relationships because they will have quality time with loved ones. For the faithful, it is a time to be one with God. They will reflect on the crucifixion and resurrection...