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All in the family: Philippine dynasties tighten grip on power

If the son of former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos wins the May 9 presidential election, he will not be the only Marcos currently in power — and will almost certainly not be the last. Elite families have long ruled the poverty-ravaged nation, holding on to positions of power for generations by dishing out favours, buying […]

Asian Church pins hopes on papal visit to Kazakhstan

Pope Francis is set to visit Kazakhstan, a Central Asian state close to the epicentre of ethno-religious conflicts where bloody anti-government unrest early this year claimed 240 lives. According to the office of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan is set to host the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in September with Pope Francis […]

Pope Francis makes Easter plea for peace in Myanmar

Pope Francis has again plead-ed for peace and reconciliation in conflict-torn Myanmar where millions of people including Christians have been oppressed by the brutal military junta. During his Easter plea for peace around the world, he cited the Southeast Asian nation where violence has persisted for more than a year after the military ousted the […]

The curse of cult following in Pakistan

Ever since losing a vote of confidence moved by a united opposition this month, Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan has divided the nation with his aggressive campaign — on the ground and online. You either agree with him or risk being called a traitor to the country, a thief or lifafa (a journalist accepting […]

Catholic midwife honoured on Kartini Day in Indonesia

A Catholic midwife who has served a remote Indonesian province for more than three decades was among 10 women honoured by the government during its 144th Kartini Day celebrations. Yovita Mariati, a midwife from Sikka district in East Nusa Tenggara province, received the award at the state palace in Jakarta on April 21. Indonesians celebrate the day […]