Asian

Airstrikes destroy another Catholic church in Myanmar

As fighting between the military junta and resistance forces continues despite the recent earthquake, the regular army bombs the Church of Christ the King in the town of Falam, Chin State. Airstrikes by the regular army have destroyed another Catholic church in Chin, Myanmar’s only Christian-majority state, marking yet another tragic chapter in country’s ongoing […]

Southeast Asia: Traffickers pose as Christian missionaries, pilgrims to exploit victims

Investigations have revealed that Human traffickers in Southeast Asia are increasingly posing as missionaries or pilgrims to deceive authorities and avoid detection at international borders. According to a report by the Vatican’s Fides News Agency, this emerging tactic involves victims and traffickers disguising themselves as Christian missionaries or volunteers engaged in religious activities abroad. Police […]

Pope Francis prays for Myanmar, Thailand after deadly earthquake

Pope Francis sent his condolences to Church and civil authorities in Myanmar and Thailand after a powerful earthquake killed more than 150 people and caused widespread devastation in the region. “Deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread devastation caused by the earthquake in Southeast Asia, especially in Myanmar and Thailand, His Holiness Pope […]

Indonesian bishops urge ecological conver-sion and social justice in Lenten message

“I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10) — With these words of Christ as their inspiration, the bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ende in Indonesia have issued a Lenten pastoral letter calling for ecological conversion, justice for the poor, and a renewed commitment to Gospel values. The […]

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

Amid the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, a 22-year-old man was “brutally attacked” on March 22 by his supervisor after refusing to convert to Islam. The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) reported the attack, pointing to it as yet another example of “the persistent religious intolerance present in much of Pakistani society.” […]

South Korea’s worst-ever wildfires kill dozens and displace almost 40,000

The country’s worst-ever wildfires, which engulfed a forest on March 27, have destroyed thousands of homes, infrastructure, places of worship and vehicles. The multiple wildfires, fueled by strong winds and dry weather, have been raging across South Korea’s southeastern regions. The government has mobilized thousands of personnel, dozens of helicopters and other equipment to extinguish […]

Thailand bans corporal punishment of minors

Thailand has banned corporal punishment of minors. With this important step, the Southeast Asian country is aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in force since 1990, a source of debate, especially in school and families. Traditionally, the practice was tolerated in many families, and affected a high percentage of children […]

Philippines bishops say Duterte arrest a step toward accountability

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan said Mr Duterte’s arrest is a crucial move toward justice for the thousands killed in his deadly drug war. “True justice … is about accountability, transparency, and the protection of human dignity,” said Bishop Bagaforo, who is also president of Caritas Philippines. “For years, former president Duterte has claimed […]

Indian bishops slam terror attack on tourists in India’s Kashmir

No action taken against police who assaulted Catholic priests in India