Asian

Karachi: Court approves the conversion and marriage of 13-year-old Arzoo Raja. The mother’s desperation

The High Court of Sindh in Karachi has agreed with the kidnappers of Arzoo Raja, a 13-year-old girl who, after being kidnapped, was converted to Islam and forced into a forced marriage with a 44-year-old man. The court, to which the kidnappers had turned after being accused by the girl’s family, agreed with them, stating that […]

Xiaoyu, left standing in class because he believes in God

A young teenager named Xiaoyu has had to endure stand-ing in class for over a month, in punishment because he believes in God and because he dared to challenge his teacher who wanted to convince him not only of the theory of evolution, but also of non-existence of God. The testimony sent to us by […]

Asian Catholic bishops welcome Biden’s victory in US elections

The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) welcomed the election of Joe Biden as president of the United States of America. “We warmly send our prayerful wishes and congratulations to the people of America and the President-Elect Joe Biden,” read a statement signed by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, FABC president. The prelates noted that with […]

Pope Francis appoints new Indonesian archbishop in Papua

Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi of Amboina as archbishop of Merauke in Papua. The appointment was announced by the archdiocese’s secretary-general, Fr Hendrikus Kari-wop, on Nov. 11 during a Mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral Church that was broadcast online. Abp. designate Mandagi of the Congregation for Missionaries of the Sacred Heart has […]

Catholic Church no ‘little bubble:’ Brunei’s cardinal-designate

Cardinal-designate Cornelius Sim certainly was surprised to learn Pope Francis had chosen him to be one of 13 new cardinals. “For me, it was a bit of a shock and unexpected,” Cardinal-designate Sim told Vatican News. Sim, 69, is Vicar Apostolic of Brunei. His 1989 ordination marked the first time a native Bruneian was ordained […]

Homeless, Buddhists and Caritas: Taiwan’s national holiday in the name of ‘Fratelli tutti’

On October 10 is the national holiday of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Usually, the Taiwanese embassy to the Holy See invites friends and personalities to a gathering with a generous buffet. This year, in response to Pope Francis’s encyclical “Fratelli Tutti,” the way of celebrating the 109th anniversary of the Republic has radically changed. […]

Pakistan teen’s abduction, conversion sparks Christian outcry

A teenage Christian girl was kidnapped and forced to marry her Muslim abductor in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi, her family says. A local Muslim man is accused of abducting 13-year-old Arzoo Masih while she was playing outside her home in Karachi’s St Anthony’s Parish. The Catholic girl is the youngest of four children in […]

Vatican number two says deal with China on appointment of bishops will be renewed

The deal, which was first signed two years ago and expires, will be renewed for another two years, he said. Asked by reporters on the sidelines of an event at a Rome university if it was a done deal, Parolin said: “Yes, I can anticipate to you that all will go well… I’ll leave you […]

Eviction-facing Indian Catholics to fight Muslim charity’s claims

Goans oppose tourism project near 16th century basilica