Asia - Pacific News
Sri Lankan cardinal mandates male-only altar servers in Colombo Archdiocese
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith explained that he issued the order because, he said, serving as an altar server can be a... Read more
Catholic groups offer prefabricated houses for victims of landslides in south India
The devastating July 30 landslide that virtually wiped out two townships in the mountain areas claimed more than 400 lives... Read more
Indian church leaders plead for protection amid ‘relentless attacks’ on Christians
“We need protection against what is happening and urge the government to ensure the safety of the Christians,” Archbishop John... Read more
ACN report: North Koreans in contact with Christians are sent to prison
The report was published this month during Red Week and is an initiative by ACN to draw attention to religious... Read more
Archbishop of Tokyo: An aging society like Japan’s will not be able to survive
Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo spoke to the Vatican new agency Fides about the present and future state of... Read more
Chinese bishop focused on adapting faith to Communist Party ideals, Shanghai Catholics say
Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai recently gave a diocesan seminar Nov. 4–6 about “Sinicization of Religion in Shanghai.” Read more
St. Francis Xavier’s relics draw 12,000 in Goa, India, for decennial exposition
As many as 8 million people are expected to visit the relics during the 45-day period. The last exposition, in... Read more
Jimmy Lai’s godfather assesses trial: ‘He’s a real champion of freedom’
Jimmy Lai, 76, was first arrested in August 2020 under China’s newly instituted Hong Kong national security law. Read more
Jimmy Lai takes the stand in yearslong Hong Kong national security trial
Catholic pro-democracy and human rights activity Jimmy Lai took the stand Wednesday arguing in his own defense against allegations of... Read more
Church leaders will appeal Indian Supreme Court order for tax on salaries of clergy
“This judgment without a detailed hearing of our plea is very disappointing. We have no option but to challenge this... Read more
Liturgical conflict resurfaces in troubled Indian Syro-Malabar archdiocese
This month’s delayed priestly ordination of eight deacons of the Ernakulam Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church has highlighted continuing divisions. Read more
Singapore priest stabbed while celebrating Mass
Father Christopher Lee, a parish priest at St. Joseph Church in the Singapore region of Bukit Timah, was attacked by... Read more
Volcano destroys Indonesia Catholic convent, killing religious sister
Sister Nikolin Padjo, head of a local monastery in Boru, Wulanggitang, died in the eruption, according to a report by ... Read more
Vatican message for India’s ‘festival of lights’ emphasizes need for fostering harmony
“Diversity is seen by most as a source of mutual growth, learning, and enrichment. At the same time, it is... Read more
Storm leaves scores dead and widespread damage in the Philippines
Tropical Storm Trami hit the island of Luzon, which includes the capital Manila, bringing two months’ worth of rain to... Read more
Vatican-approved bishop consecrated in Beijing days after China deal renewal
Pope Francis has appointed a new Catholic bishop in Beijing following the renewal of the Vatican-China agreement. Read more
Ancient ruins in Armenia might be oldest church in world’s first Christian nation
A team of German and Armenian researchers made a groundbreaking discovery last week of an ancient church in Armenia dating... Read more
Indonesian bishop declines cardinal appointment to ‘grow in priestly life’
The bishop’s request “was motivated by his desire to continue growing in priestly life and in service to the Church... Read more
Vatican-China bishop deal renewed for four more years
The renewal comes days after a report from the Hudson Institute detailed how seven Catholic bishops in China have been... Read more
Persecution of 10 Catholic bishops in China intensified after Vatican-China deal, report says
A new report by religious freedom advocate Nina Shea for the Hudson Institute sheds light on the repression faced by... Read more
