Asia - Pacific News

Students venerate the relics of St John XXIII and St John Paul II in Sriracha, Thailand, May 2015.

Relics of Saints John XXIII, John Paul II light fires of faith in Thailand

May 24, 2015

Scores of Catholic faithful are taking part in the Thailand tour of the sacred relics of St. John XXIII and... Read more

How Chinese Catholics around the world are renewing their commitment to the Bible

May 8, 2015

On the 25th anniversary of the United Chinese Catholic Biblical Association, groups across the globe are reaffirming their dedication to... Read more

Indonesia draws international outcry for executing drug traffickers

May 4, 2015

The Australian bishops joined their voices to the international condemnation of the Indonesian government's execution of foreign drug traffickers last... Read more

Fr. Augustine and associates distribute relieft supplies following the April 25 Nepali earthquake.

Local bishop describes 'a very, very frightening scene' in Nepal

Apr 28, 2015

Nepal’s bishop has given a graphic account of the country’s catastrophic April 25 earthquake, describing how he was lucky to... Read more

Pope Francis prays with journalists on the papal flight en route to South Korea, August 14, 2014.

Pope Francis assures Nepal earthquake survivors of his closeness and prayers

Apr 26, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Pope Francis led the crowds gathered in Saint Peter’s Square for the weekly Regina Caeli address in praying for the... Read more

Pill Bottles.

Australian bishops: the suffering need compassion, not suicide by drugs

Apr 16, 2015

Euthanasia isn’t what the suffering and dying really need, said Australia’s Catholic bishops.  Read more

Faithful in India's Miao diocese pray in a candlelight vigil for persecuted Christians in the Middle East, March 1, 2015.

India bishop: Christ is working through the tragedy of present-day martyrdom

Apr 6, 2015

In his Easter letter released this week, Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao reflected on Christ's work through the tragedies of... Read more

Women praying Jamaah.

Tears for Farkhunda: Catholics join fury over savage killing of Afghan woman

Mar 25, 2015

By Adelaide Mena, Matt Hadro

After last week’s horrific mob killing of a young woman in Afghanistan, Catholics are calling for a re-dedication to religious... Read more

Vietnamese Youth Leaders annual lenten retreat in Thailand Mar 17-18, 2015.

Young Vietnamese migrant workers find strength in Lenten practices

Mar 24, 2015

Young Vietnamese Catholics living in Thailand came together for a Lenten retreat focused on spiritual nourishment for the challenges of... Read more

Australian bishop affirms innocence amid charges of concealing abuse

Mar 18, 2015

An Australian bishop is strongly denying accusations that he concealed a serious sexual abuse offense allegedly disclosed to him in... Read more

Hindu priest breaks into tears after elderly nun raped in India

Mar 17, 2015

By Elise Harris

After the “heinous” rape of an elderly nun in the Indian state of West Bengal over the weekend, protestors have... Read more

A young girl lights a candle at a Marian grotto in Pakistan.

Pakistani Christians mourn bomb victims, protest lack of security

Mar 16, 2015

Christians in Pakistan are grieving the loss of 15 people who were killed in suicide bomb attacks on two churches... Read more

The highlands of Papua New Guinea.

From Poland to Papua New Guinea, a great task awaits the new Bishop of Wewak

Mar 9, 2015

Next month, a Polish missionary to Papua New Guinea will continue his 23-year ministry to the Melanesian nation with the... Read more

Burmese members of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd celebrate International Women's Day 2015 in Yangon.

Nuns in Burma encourage empowerment of women, end to inequality

Mar 9, 2015

A community of women religious held a workshop in Burma's largest city over the weekend to mark International Women's Day,... Read more

This window at Immaculate Church in Kutkai, in Burma's Shan state, was broken Feb. 24, 2015 by shrapnel from a small artillery shell.

Burmese parish attacked amid ethnic conflict

Mar 6, 2015

A parish in the Shan state of Burma, also known as Myanmar, became embroiled in the region’s spiraling conflict last... Read more

Holi, the festival of color, celebrated in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, in 2014.

Indian bishop encourages celebration of color festival in joy, freedom

Mar 6, 2015

With Indians and Hindus celebrating Holi, a spring festival of colors, today, Bishop Thomas Dabre of Poona has encouraged the... Read more

Faithful in India's Miao diocese pray in a candlelight vigil for persecuted Christians in the Middle East, March 1, 2015.

Indian diocese joins with Pope Francis in praying for persecuted Christians

Mar 3, 2015

A remote diocese under the shadow of the Himalayas joined hands with Pope Francis' prayer for persecuted Christians in the... Read more

Launch of the Lenten seminar held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Karachi, Pakistan, Feb. 21, 2015.

Karachi Church urges faithful to consider God's plans during Lent – not their own

Mar 3, 2015

The Archdiocese of Karachi, based in Pakistan's largest city, held a Lenten seminar last month to help the faithful there... Read more

Fr. Alexis Prem Kumar (second from left) seen with his family after his release, February 2015.

Jesuit priest's cheerful disposition kept hope alive during Afghan captivity

Feb 27, 2015

By Elise Harris

A key player in working for the release of a Jesuit priest held by suspected Taliban militants in Afghanistan for... Read more

Bl. Teresa of Calcutta.

Indians rise up to defend Mother Teresa's legacy after attack by Hindu leader

Feb 26, 2015

Indians from all walks of life and religions have joined to condemn allegations made against Bl. Teresa of Calcutta by... Read more