Asia - Pacific News

The Catholic Church in South Korea is one of the few voices promoting reconciliation between the two countries.

Church in Korea keeps up quest for reconciliation between the peninsula’s two nations

May 21, 2025

By Victoria Cardiel

Eight decades after the partition of the Korean peninsula, the Catholic Church in South Korea remains one of the few... Read more

A burnt scooter on May 9, 2025, stands on the spot where twins Zian Khan and Urwa Fatima died on May 7 during Pakistani artillery shelling in the main town of Poonch district.

Catholic school hit, 3 students killed in India-Pakistan conflict; pope hails ceasefire

May 12, 2025

By Anto Akkara

Indian security forces launched aerial assaults against what they said were nine terrorist centers inside Pakistan early on May 7.... Read more

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) at the Divine Mercy Shrine in the Philippines.

Philippines makes history as first nation to consecrate itself to divine mercy

Apr 27, 2025

By Valerie Joy Escalona

This is the first time in history an entire nation will be consecrated to Jesus through divine mercy. Read more

Cardinal John Dew speaking during a press conference in Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand cardinal reflects on ‘beautiful’ Pope Francis funeral as cardinals prepare for conclave

Apr 27, 2025

By AC Wimmer

Cardinal John Dew will become the third New Zealander to participate in a papal election. Read more

Bishop Joseph Guo Jincai (left) and Bishop Yang Xiaoting (right) at Opening of the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

China largely silent on Pope Francis’ death amid global tributes

Apr 24, 2025

By Madalaine Elhabbal

According to reports, Chinese officials are not permitted to express themselves publicly on Pope Francis’ death due the Chinese Communist... Read more

The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Manila, Philippines.

Filipino cardinals preside over requiem Masses for Pope Francis before heading to Rome

Apr 22, 2025

By Kristina Millare

Speaking to Catholic faithful gathered inside the Manila Cathedral, Cardinal José Advíncula said Filipinos should be “filled with gratitude” for... Read more

A Senákulo performance in Marinduque, Philippines.

Faith on the streets: Holy Week plays in the Philippines depict passion of Jesus Christ

Apr 18, 2025

By Valerie Joy Escalona

Every Holy Week, streets across the Philippines transform into open-air stages for one of the country’s most unique and deeply... Read more

A view of the Opera House in the port zone of Sydney.

Catholic groups warn Australian lawmakers: No such thing as ‘harmless’ pornography

Apr 15, 2025

By Daniel Payne

The Parliament of New South Wales in Australia recently began public hearings for its inquiry into the “impacts of harmful... Read more

Photo illustration.

Traffickers pose as Christian missionaries in Thailand to entrap victims

Apr 11, 2025

By Madalaine Elhabbal

Here is a roundup of Catholic world news that you might have missed this week. Read more

At a leper colony in the Kon Tum area in Vietnam, Pontifical Missions Society USA President Monsignor Roger Landry celebrated Mass, brought Communion to people, and distributed food and sandals.

Pontifical Mission Societies USA visits Vietnamese leper colony

Apr 11, 2025

By Kate Quiñones

At a leper colony in Vietnam, Pontifical Mission Societies USA President Monsignor Roger Landry celebrated Mass, brought Communion, and distributed... Read more

Parliament House, Canberra, Australia.

Australia election features rare contest between Catholic candidates

Apr 11, 2025

By AC Wimmer

When Australians head to the polls on May 3, they’ll choose between two leaders who identify as Catholic, though both... Read more

Christians protest a recent attack on Catholics in Jabalpur on April 1, 2025.

Indian bishops condemn assault on Catholic pilgrims and priests at Jabalpur

Apr 3, 2025

By Anto Akkara

Allegedly injured in the assault was the vicar general and procurator of Jabalpur, who reportedly rushed to safeguard the pilgrims... Read more

Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon, Myanmar.

Myanmar cardinal after earthquake: People need everything, including peace

Mar 31, 2025

By Walter Sánchez Silva

“The people need food, shelter, medicine, and all lifesaving materials,” Cardinal Charles Bo said, adding: “More than anything, our people... Read more

A view of the Opera House in the port zone of Sydney.

Australian election: Bishops say Catholics have a vital role in shaping nation’s future 

Mar 31, 2025

By Kristina Millare

Australian bishops on Sunday said the country’s Catholics have a vital role to promote the common good when they head... Read more

Christian families displaced by the violence in India's Odisha state in 2008.

Catholic leaders warn of opposition to Christian burials and religious practices in India

Mar 31, 2025

By Anto Akkara

The group sounded the alarm after making a fact-finding visit to several remote areas under the Balasore Diocese in the... Read more

A wildfire blazes next to a stone lantern of family tomb in Andong, South Korea, on March 26, 2025. At least 18 people have been killed in one of South Korea’s worst wildfire outbreaks, with multiple blazes burning and causing “unprecedented damage,” the acting president said.

Pope Francis sends condolences after South Korea wildfires destroy thousands of homes

Mar 28, 2025

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has expressed his sorrow for the victims of the devastating wildfires in South Korea, which killed 28 people... Read more

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Australian study finds ‘lifelong benefits’ to Catholic education

Mar 27, 2025

By Kate Quiñones

The study found that Catholic school attendees were more likely on average to be employed and to earn higher wages... Read more

A Christian boy holds a crucifix during a protest in Karachi on Aug. 22, 2023, to condemn the attack on churches in Pakistan. More than 80 Christian homes and 19 churches were vandalized in an hourslong riot in Jaranwala in Punjab province on Aug. 16 after unverified reports that a Koran had been desecrated.

Young Christian in Pakistan brutally attacked for refusing to convert to Islam

Mar 26, 2025

By Andrés Henríquez

Aid to the Church in Need reported the attack, pointing to it as yet another example of “the persistent religious... Read more

Former Philippines president Rodrigo R. Duterte has been arrested on a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity.

Rodrigo Duterte, ex-Philippine president, arrested for alleged crimes against humanity

Mar 11, 2025

By Jonah McKeown

The country’s bishops had long been vocal in their opposition to Duterte, including his “war on drugs,” and opposed his... Read more

The ecumenical World Day of Pray was held on the island of Roratonga in the Cook Islands on March 7, 2025.

Cook Islands hosts ecumenical World Day of Prayer

Mar 7, 2025

By Kristina Millare

The World Day of Prayer International Community has held prayer services in various countries — including the U.S., Hong Kong,... Read more