Asia - Pacific News
China’s new ‘Patriotic Education Law’ places further limits on religious instruction
The new law would require churches and religious groups to adapt their educational activities to promote the party’s official ideology. Read more
Catholic bishops call on Hong Kong government to release pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai
Ten bishops from around the world have called for the release of Lai, who was originally arrested in August 2020... Read more
Moscow Archdiocese urges return of memorial for bishop imprisoned by Stalin regime
Earlier this month, plaques dedicated to political and religious prisoners who died at Vladimir Central Prison under the communist regime... Read more
Vatican puts 35 Catholic ‘martyrs of Kandhamal’ in India on road to sainthood
The Christians were killed in the 2008 Christian persecution that took place in the remote jungle district of the eastern... Read more
Pope Francis appoints long-standing parish priest as New Zealand bishop
Pope Francis on Wednesday appointed Father Richard Laurenson as the new bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton in northern New... Read more
Thousands mourn Indian Cardinal Telesphore Toppo at funeral Mass
Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, Asia’s first tribal cardinal who died on Oct. 4, was remembered for his humility, simplicity, and... Read more
Pope Francis remembers Cardinal Toppo of India for ‘zeal for the spread of the Gospel’
Cardinal Telesphore Toppo was the “first and only cardinal of the tribal communities of Asia,” said Archbishop Andrews Thazhath. Read more
Taiwan’s ambassador to the Vatican: Better to prevent a war than stop one afterward
Speaking at a reception on Oct. 5, Ambassador Matthew Lee underlined that “Taiwan will do whatever we can to remain... Read more
Indian priest who joined Hindu nationalist party relieved of duties by bishop
The priest’s action took place at a time of rising persecution of Christians in India. Read more
India’s Christian rights network not hopeful after meeting with minorities commission
“While the positive is that there is some conversation, I do not set hopes very high,” said John Dayal, an... Read more
Vatican launches investigation into Australian bishop accused of child sex abuse
Former bishop Christopher Saunders of the Diocese of Broome has been accused of sexually assaulting indigenous men and boys. Read more
Chinese priest convicted of ‘fraud’ for refusal to recognize state-sanctioned Church
Father Joseph Yang Xiaoming was found to have violated the law after he refused to register with the state-sanctioned Chinese... Read more
Cardinal Zuppi meets with Chinese official to discuss peace in Ukraine
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi met with Chinese Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more
India’s Modi government invites Christian rights watchdog to discuss concerns
The head of the Christian human rights group had written to the prime minister’s office about three major grievances. Read more
A profile in courage: Cardinal Kung and Catholic resistance in Shanghai
Nearly 70 years after his arrest, Cardinal Ignatius Kung is remembered as he preached fidelity to the successor of Peter... Read more
Mother Teresa is ‘teacher of love’ says Kolkata archbishop on anniversary of saint’s death
The feast of St. Teresa of Kolkata was celebrated by Catholics and non-Catholics alike with Mass, prayers, tributes, and visits... Read more
Pope Francis at Mongolia charity: ‘Only love can overcome selfishness’
Pope Francis blessed a new charity called the “House of Mercy” on his last day in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Read more
Live Updates: Pope Francis trip to Mongolia 2023
Live updates following Pope Francis’ trip to Mongolia from Aug. 31–Sept. 4. Read more
Catholics from mainland China and across Asia in Mongolia for Mass with Pope Francis
While papal Masses on the pope’s other trips can draw hundreds of thousands of people, the Mass in Ulaanbaatar only... Read more
Pope Francis quotes Buddha at interreligious event in Mongolia
Pope Francis said Sunday that interreligious dialogue is “not antithetical to proclamation” but helps religious traditions to understand one another. Read more
