11 Facts About Petero Mataca

Petero Mataca born at Cawaci, on Ovalau Island, served as the Roman Catholic archbishop of Suva, Fiji until his resignation in 2012.

Petero Mataca was named a bishop on 3 December 1974 when he was appointed titular bishop of Siminina and auxiliary bishop of Suva; following his appointment as a bishop, he was consecrated the same year.

Petero Mataca resigned in July 2009 when he reached the age of 75, but could not step down until a successor was appointed.

Petero Mataca died on 30 June 2014 at the Suva Private Hospital after a long illness.

On 22 June 2005, Petero Mataca accused Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase of having misled church leaders about the provisions of the legislation to establish the Commission.

Petero Mataca said he did not support the concept of amnesty for persons convicted of political crimes.

Petero Mataca called for what he called "authentic Christian voices" to speak up, and for the true path of Jesus to be followed.

Petero Mataca later collaborated with the military rgime, serving as co-chairman, along with Commodore Bainimarama, of the National Council for Building a Better Fiji.

On 6 January 2006, the Fiji Sun quoted Petero Mataca as calling on people to "respect, protect, and preserve" family values.

Petero Mataca condemned Fiji's high divorce rate, and criticized legislation which facilitated it.

Petero Mataca died at the Suva Private Hospital after a long illness on 30 June 2014.