Santosh Digal

Santosh Digal

Santosh Digal is a freelance journalist and educator based in Manila, the Philippines. He reports on religion and society across Asia.

Articles by Santosh Digal

Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. of Cubao hands over a letter of support to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila on Nov. 14, 2025. Credit: Clergy For Good Governance

Philippine bishops urge military not to destabilize the Marcos government

Nov 19, 2025 / 10:30 am

Philippine bishops called on the military to remain faithful to the Philippine Constitution amid a political crisis over budget allegations.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations, meets Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Nov. 4, 2025. Credit: Santosh Digal

Pope Leo XIV may visit Sri Lanka, Vatican diplomat says

Nov 10, 2025 / 09:39 am

A top Vatican diplomat visited Sri Lanka this month and said Pope Leo XIV may visit the country, as the two nations marked 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo blesses Catholics after celebrating a Mass in Cotabato on Oct. 11, 2024. Credit: Photo courtesy of Santosh Digal

Cardinal Orlando Quevedo: Mindanao’s ‘Man of Peace’ and his lifelong mission of unity

Nov 8, 2025 / 06:00 am

Philippine cardinal honored for decades of peacebuilding work among Christians, Muslims, and Indigenous communities in conflict-affected Mindanao.

Students take part at a protest rally against corruption organized by the Catholic Church and others on Sept. 21, 2025. Credit; Santosh Digal

Corruption crisis in Philippines sparks largest Church-backed protests in years

Oct 30, 2025 / 13:35 pm

Philippine bishops have urged Catholics and others to demand accountability and transparency from government authorities for the misuse of public funds.

The centuries-old Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan is partially damaged following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu, Central Philippines, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. Credit: Santosh Digal

Church brings aid, hope after major earthquake in Philippines

Oct 4, 2025 / 11:15 am

Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian, development, and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, is at the forefront of relief efforts.