Asia - Pacific News
Lack of prayer creates spiritual ‘zombies,’ pope tells Japanese youth
If people neglect prayer and the interior life, they are at risk of becoming spiritual zombies, who seem fine on... Read more
Meeting with disaster victims, pope says human suffering demands a response
In a meeting Monday with people affected by Japan’s 2011 “triple disaster,” Pope Francis criticized society’s indifference toward the suffering... Read more
Pope Francis honors heroism of Japanese martyrs of Nagasaki
Pope Francis Sunday honored the many martyrs who died in Japan during two centuries of persecution, encouraging Catholics in the... Read more
At Nagasaki ground zero, pope denounces 'unspeakable horror' of nuclear weapons
At the ground zero site of the 1945 nuclear attack on Nagasaki, Pope Francis said the threat of using nuclear... Read more
What does it mean to be Japanese and Catholic? Pope Francis in Japan raises the question
For centuries, Japanese intellectuals, emperors, and missionaries have asked the same question: What does it mean to be both Japanese... Read more
Japanese Catholic youth: Pope Francis 'like a grandfather to us'
Wearing a t-shirt with a cartoon image of Pope Francis, Minori Takeuchi energetically bounces while she walks outside Joseph Hall,... Read more
Pope Francis asks priests, religious in Thailand to inculturate the Gospel
In a meeting with priests and religious in Thailand Friday, Pope Francis urged an inculturation of the Gospel which allows... Read more
Chinese bishop in hiding after refusal to register with Communist authorities
A Catholic bishop is China is reportedly on the run from state authorities after refusing to register with the state-sponsored... Read more
Strive for unity amid diversity, Pope Francis tells authorities in Thailand
In his first official speech in Thailand Thursday, Pope Francis encouraged the Thai authorities, civil society, and diplomatic corps to... Read more
Tokyo archbishop: Japanese Shinto celebrations a chance for evangelization
Though it is mostly an irreligious country, seemingly untroubled by matters of the hereafter, Japan is over-run with festivals and... Read more
Catholic Church in India launches website to help widows remarry
The Catholic Church in Kerala is hoping to help widows in India - who often suffer from social stigmas -... Read more
Thai bishop: Pope’s visit a significant moment for small Catholic community
Pope Francis’ trip to Thailand is a meaningful moment for the small Catholic community, and marks an important anniversary in... Read more
Archbishop of Tokyo: ‘Collapse of traditional family system’ a challenge for irreligious Japan
The Archbishop of Tokyo, Isao Kikuchi, spoke with CNA about the challenge for Japanese Catholic churches to keep Catholics engaged,... Read more
China defends detention of Muslims in Xinjiang
The Chinese government is defending its policy of mass detention and re-education of Muslims in the country's northwest as an... Read more
Pope’s cousin, a Salesian missionary, to join papal entourage in Thailand
Salesian Sister Ana Rosa Sivori, Pope Francis’ second cousin who has been a missionary in Thailand for over 50 years,... Read more
CRS provides relief to Bangladeshis affected by Cyclone Bulbul
After the dissipation of Cyclone Bulbul, Catholic organizations have provided aid to the victims in Bangladesh, and assessed the immediate... Read more
Hong Kong protesters arrested at Catholic church
Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong have continued to escalate into violence, with many apparent incidents of forceful police tactics, including... Read more
New Zealand to hold referendum on euthanasia, assisted suicide
The New Zealand Parliament voted in favor of legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide Wednesday, sending the bill to a referendum... Read more
UPDATED: Australian High Court refers Cardinal Pell's appeal of sex abuse conviction
The Australian High Court announced Wednesday that Cardinal George Pell has been granted leave to appeal an August decision by... Read more
Catholics in Australia seek religious protections despite indifference, hostility
While the Catholic bishops of Australia have said a religious discrimination bill does not go far enough to protect religious... Read more
