Asia - Pacific News

Chinese officials crack down on religious funerals, weddings

Jul 3, 2019

As the Communist Party of China continues to tighten its grip on the regulation of religion and religious activity, a... Read more

Cardinal George Pell outside Rome's Hotel Quirinale, March 3, 2016.

Due to backlash, Pell to live in 'secure compound' if appeal succeeds

Jun 24, 2019

While Cardinal George Pell of Australia is appealing his sexual abuse conviction in court, he and his supporters are making... Read more

Bishops decry introduction of assisted suicide, euthanasia in Australian state

Jun 19, 2019

The four Latin rite ordinaries in Victoria have written a pastoral letter denouncing the state's “new, and deeply troubling chapter... Read more

Crowds protest against the now-suspended China extradition bill in Hong Kong.

Christian leaders call for dialogue, end to violence in Hong Kong

Jun 17, 2019

Hundreds of thousands of protestors in Hong Kong are continuing to demonstrate against the government's plans to allow extraditions to... Read more

Protesters gather again to rally outside the Legislative Council government offices against a controversial extradition bill in Hong Kong, June 17, 2019.

Hong Kong extradition bill could further endanger Christians, advocates say

Jun 17, 2019

Though a proposed change to extradition laws in Hong Kong is on hold for now, Christian leaders and advocacy groups... Read more

Cardinal George Pell arrives at Melbourne County Court on Feb. 27, 2019.

Prosecution falters during Cardinal Pell appeal hearing

Jun 6, 2019

The lead prosecutor arguing to sustain the conviction of Cardinal George Pell struggled Thursday in presenting the Crown’s case.  Read more

March 17, 2016. Cardinal George Pell speaks with CNA at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace on March 17, 2016.

In opening arguments, Cardinal Pell’s lawyers set out case for appeal

Jun 4, 2019

The legal team for Cardinal George Pell set out its case for appeal at the Supreme Court of Victoria Wednesday... Read more

Singapore Catholic churches use classrooms to help homeless

Jun 3, 2019

Two Catholic churches in Singapore have opened their doors offering housing to the country’s homeless.  Read more

Cardinal George Pell.

Cardinal Pell prepares for appeal hearing

Jun 3, 2019

Pell's appeal is set to be heard by a three-judge panel of the state of Victoria’s Supreme Court on 5-6... Read more

The flag of Australia.

Australian bishops adopt new Safeguarding Standards

Jun 3, 2019

Last week the Australian bishop' conference and Catholic Religious Australia adopted new standards to combat the sexual abuse of children... Read more

President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Caritas head applauds Philippines new anti-poverty measure

May 29, 2019

A new law in the Philippines to support those living in poverty has won the praise of Caritas Manila, a... Read more

Cardinal Pell speaks with journalists after being charged with sexual abuse June 29, 2017.

Cardinal Pell will not ask for shorter sentence if appeal fails

May 28, 2019

Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, who was sentenced to six years in prison in March after being convicted of five... Read more

Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay speaks at a Vatican press conference, Oct. 22, 2015.

Indian police investigate claim against Cardinal Gracias of failure to report abuse

May 23, 2019

Police in India are investigating a claim that Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay and two auxiliary bishops covered up an... Read more

A CCTV security camera in Beijing.

China's technological controls keep Christians under constant surveillance

May 23, 2019

By Courtney Mares

As the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests approaches, the Chinese Communist Party is utilizing authoritarian tactics old and... Read more

Philippine Catholics lead AIDS memorial event

May 20, 2019

Filipino Catholic leaders in the central province of Iloilo held an AIDS memorial event over the weekend, to raise awareness... Read more

As Australian Catholic school abandons tests and grades, critics are concerned

May 19, 2019

A Catholic school in west Sydney has done away with grades, class levels, and tests to promote a more personalized... Read more

A Sri Lankan soldier stands guard outside St. Theresa’s church in Colombo on May 12, 2019.

Sri Lanka holds first public Masses since Easter attacks

May 13, 2019

The Sri Lankan Catholic Church on May 12 held its first public Sunday Masses since suicide bombers claimed more than... Read more

Cross of the Martyrs.

God will provide strength through persecution, new Filipino bishop says

May 9, 2019

A new bishop in the Philippines has called for Catholics to show courage in the face of violence and persecution.  Read more

Flag of China.

After Vatican-China deal, Chinese bishop imprisoned for 23 years is not yet released

May 8, 2019

The nephew of a Chinese bishop who was arrested 23 years ago has said he does not know where his... Read more

The flag of India.

Christian pastor in India acquitted of anti-conversion charges

May 7, 2019

A Protestant pastor in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has been acquitted of charges held against him under... Read more