Asia - Pacific News
Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil: 'I have witnessed the power of prayer'
Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, the priest who was kidnapped in 2016 and held captive for 18 months by terrorists in Yemen,... Read more
Pakistan government reportedly adding Asia Bibi to 'no exit' list
Following an outbreak of protests in Pakistan in response the acquittal of Asia Bibi on charges of blasphemy, the government... Read more
India blocks 800 websites, reviving 2015 porn ban
After Nepal banned thousands of pornographic websites last month, India has resurrected its internet pornography ban, blocking more than 800... Read more
Indian bishop accused of rape has not turned over key evidence
The Indian bishop charged with serially raping a nun has not yet produced a laptop that government investigators say could... Read more
Chinese authorities destroy two Marian shrines despite Vatican-China agreement
As part of an ongoing crackdown on religious practice in the country, Chinese authorities demolished two Catholic Marian shrines this... Read more
Priest and key witness in nun rape case found dead
A priest who had been a key witness in the charge of rape against Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jullundur died... Read more
Nepal says 'no' to online porn
Nepal has introduced a ban on pornography as part of a government initiative to stem the country’s high rate of... Read more
New Zealand bishops reaffirm commitment to government abuse inquiry
The Catholic bishops of New Zealand have countered reports that say they are backing away from an upcoming government inquiry... Read more
Pope Francis & South Korean president pray for peace
South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in met with Pope Francis today after praying for peace on the Korean peninsula in St.... Read more
Taiwan offers second invitation to pope following Vatican-China deal
Taiwan’s government has issued a second invitation for Pope Francis to visit the country, a move which follows new developments... Read more
South Korean bishop: Before Pope Francis plans a trip, ‘some things in North Korea should change’
Bishop Yoo Heung Sik of Daejeon, who has made multiple trips to North Korea on behalf of the South Korean... Read more
Australian pro-lifers argue abortion clinic buffer zones violate freedom of speech
Two pro-life activists are challenging Australian “buffer zone” laws in the country’s high court in Canberra. The laws in the... Read more
Kim Jong Un invites Pope Francis to meet in Pyongyang
North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has invited Pope Francis to meet in Pyongyang, a South Korean spokesman said Tuesday.... Read more
Pro-life leaders oppose broad expansion of abortion in Australian state
A parliamentary committee reportedly supported a proposal Oct. 5 to significantly expand abortion in the northeastern Australian state of Queensland. Read more
Pakistani Supreme Court reserves judgement on Asia Bibi blasphemy case
Pakistan’s Supreme Court has reserved judgement on the verdict of Asia Bibi, a Roman Catholic woman who was sentenced to... Read more
Pakistani scrutiny for multiple NGOs could close Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Relief Services is among the 18 international organizations ordered closed by Pakistan’s new government without explanation. The move follows... Read more
Catholic charities worldwide join Indonesia tsunami relief efforts
Caritas Italy will donate more than $115,000 to help the victims of the tsunami that struck Indonesia last week. Read more
Provision for abortion delayed in Australian state
Government authorities in the Australian state of Tasmania have promised that low-cost surgical abortion will be provided starting in October,... Read more
Australian bishop weighs pros, cons of married priests
The possibility of ordaining married men to the priesthood merits consideration both of its positives and negatives, Bishop Michael McKenna... Read more
Tasmania may criminalize priests for upholding seal of confession
Catholic priests in the Australian state of Tasmania could face jail time if they fail to report sexual abuse disclosed... Read more
