Asia - Pacific News
Half a million Catholics in India petition government for better living conditions
Christians make up about 20% of the local population in Kerala, with the Christian community there tracing its ancient roots... Read more
Freedom of religion is ‘deteriorating’ in Hong Kong, new report says
The Chinese government is now tightening its grip on the region of more than 7 million residents, a Jan. 30... Read more
Church in Sri Lanka to begin canonization process for hundreds killed in 2019 Easter attack
The Archdiocese of Colombo has plans to submit a petition to the Vatican to declare those killed in the Easter... Read more
The first Mexican-born martyr: a castaway friar who was crucified in Japan
Only 25 when he was killed, San Felipe de Jesus — St. Philip of Jesus — is celebrated Feb. 5... Read more
Violence against Christians in India addressed at Catholic bishops’ conference
“The Church can play a crucial role in shaping the moral character of the society,” said Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the... Read more
Holy See appoints third Chinese bishop in less than a week, signaling shift toward Beijing
Father Peter Wu Yishun was named the bishop of the Apostolic Prefecture of Shaowu (Minbei) in the third appointment of... Read more
President of Taiwan joins Pope Francis in call for regulating AI
President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen sent a letter to Pope Francis on Wednesday joining the pontiff in calling for greater... Read more
New leader of Syro-Malabar Church faces daunting task as dissenting priests remain defiant
Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil has his work cut out for him as he seeks to carry out the Holy Father’s... Read more
Pope Francis confirms new head of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church
Pope Francis has confirmed a new head of the Syro-Malabar Church, the largest Eastern Catholic church in India. Read more
Black Nazarene procession in the Philippines draws millions after returning from COVID
The Black Nazarene procession in the Philippines, one of the largest religious devotions in the world, returned this year to... Read more
Chinese bishop who was removed from diocese by Communist regime is arrested
Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin was arrested on Jan. 2 and reportedly instructed to “take clothes for spring, summer, autumn, and... Read more
Jimmy Lai pleads not guilty in Hong Kong national security trial
Lai’s trial in Hong Kong began last month, launching what is expected to be a protracted legal exhibition capping several... Read more
India’s Modi hosts Christian leaders for Christmas amid rising persecution
“Christmas is an occasion to remember Jesus Christ’s life’s message and values,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, addressing Christian leaders. Read more
Papal Christmas deadline over Syro-Malabar rift is met, but Indian archdiocese simmers
Protests and disruptions to “unified” Masses mandated by the pope were observed around the archdiocese, but it remains if there... Read more
Catholic Church reportedly closer to getting its first samurai saint
The Vatican is currently investigating miracles associated with the intercession of Blessed Justus Ukon Takayama. Read more
Indian priest jailed under ‘anti-conversion’ laws is released
Father Babu Francis was detained by the police on Oct. 1 after he sought information on the arrest and detention... Read more
Dissenting priests in Syro-Malabar Church protest Pope Francis’ Christmas deadline
Tensions have risen in the Eastern Catholic Church in the Indian state of Kerala as the deadline approaches to implement... Read more
Jimmy Lai unlikely to receive a fair trial from Hong Kong judges, lawyer says
Catholic democracy activist Jimmy Lai was arrested in August 2020 under that year’s controversial national security law. Read more
Congressional commission urges sanctions if Hong Kong won’t release Jimmy Lai
Jimmy Lai, now 76, has been imprisoned for three years in a maximum security prison, charged with a variety of... Read more
Catholicism and martyrdom in Japan: Church marks 400 years since Edo massacre
The small but devout Catholic community in Japan is built upon the witness of untold numbers of martyrs. Read more
