Asia - Pacific News

Bishop Hubertus Leteng, who resigned as Bishop of Ruteng Oct. 11, 2017.

Indonesian bishop resigns amid embezzlement, affair accusations

Oct 11, 2017

An Indonesian prelate resigned Wednesday as Bishop of Ruteng amid mounting concerns surrounding an alleged mistress and reportedly stolen funds.  Read more

Bishop Donald Lippert of Mendi in Papua New Guinea. Courtesy of the Diocese of Mendi.

Catholics in Papua New Guinea a sign of the Church's universality

Sep 26, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

A young Catholic diocese in the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea has a vibrant and growing faith, one which... Read more

In fight against sex abuse, Australian archbishop sees progress, challenges

Sep 18, 2017

Amid ongoing controversy surrounding clerical sex abuse in Australia, one of the country's archbishops believes the local Churches are making... Read more

Rings in Scripture.

Australian bishops call for month of prayer ahead of same-sex marriage vote

Sep 14, 2017

At the start of a voter survey being conducted on same-sex marriage in Australia, the country’s bishops have called for... Read more

Cross of the Martyrs.

Filipino archbishop: Face opposition with a martyr's courage

Sep 6, 2017

Despite hostility, the Church must teach the truth of the Gospel with the courage of the martyrs, said the archbishop... Read more

A banner of St. Teresa of Kolkata in St. Peter's Square shortly before her canonization.

Mother Teresa to be named co-patron of Kolkata archdiocese

Sep 5, 2017

Marking the first anniversary of Mother Teresa’s canonization, the Archdiocese of Kolkata will hold a Mass Wednesday to declare the... Read more

Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong bishop talks Church-state relations, hopes for the future

Sep 3, 2017

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The challenges endured by Catholics in China are complex, said Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung of Hong Kong, but there are... Read more

Ahead of ballot, Australian bishops reaffirm Church can't support gay marriage

Sep 1, 2017

As a non-binding poll on same-sex marriage in Australia looms, some leading Catholic bishops have again clarified Catholic teaching that... Read more

Cardinal Baselios Cleemis presents a bouquet to Indian president Ram Nath Kovind at their Aug. 24, 2017 meeting.

India's president praises Church for assistance to the poor

Aug 25, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

A group of bishops from across India met with the country's new president and vice-president on Thursday, with both leaders... Read more

Cross of the Martyrs.

Video shows ISIS destroying Catholic church, threatening Rome

Aug 25, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

A new video has been released showing ISIS militants in the Philippines threatening to come to Rome as they desecrate... Read more

Filipinos protest police and vigilante killings.

Catholic leaders decry brutal police killings in Philippines

Aug 23, 2017

As police and vigilante killings continue under President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal campaign against illegal drugs, Catholic leaders in the Philippines... Read more

The USS John S. McCain is steered to Changi Naval Base in Singapore following a collision with a mercant vessel, Aug. 21, 2017. US Navy photo by MC 3rd Class Madailein Abbott/Released.

US military archbishop prays following USS John S McCain collision

Aug 22, 2017

Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the US military archdiocese offered prayers Monday after a US Navy destroyer collided with a tanker... Read more

An Indian woman became a nun...because of elephants?

Aug 16, 2017

Nine years ago, Christians in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, India suffered the worst attacks against Christians in modern times... Read more

Cardinal's zucchetto.

Pioneering missionary bishop to China considered for beatification

Aug 10, 2017

By Andrea Gagliarducci

A cardinal who helped change Catholic missionary work in China is now a possible candidate for beatification.  Read more

Fr. Gerard Hammond, M.M. of the Maryknoll Missionaries.

What it's like to be a missionary in North Korea

Aug 9, 2017

By Matt Hadro

What can a missionary in North Korea do to preach the Gospel in a Communist dictatorship? Simply care for the... Read more

Priest collar.

In predominantly Catholic Guam, clergy sex abuse lawsuits near 100-mark

Aug 8, 2017

Nearly 100 lawsuits have accused Catholic clergy in Guam of sex abuse over a 50 year timespan, alleging assault, manipulation... Read more

Pope Francis gives the homily at Mass for the Solemnity of All Saints in Rome's Verano cemetery, Nov. 1, 2014.

Pope shakes up Syro-Malankara Church with several new appointments

Aug 5, 2017

By Elise Harris

On Saturday, Pope Francis made several changes in the Syro-Malankara Church, found predominantly in India, establishing a new eparchy and... Read more

New Zealand inquiry doesn't recommend legalizing assisted suicide, euthanasia

Aug 4, 2017

A long-term inquiry submitted to New Zealand's parliament Wednesday did not recommend that assisted suicide and euthanasia be legalized in... Read more

Christian leaders unite to oppose assisted suicide in Australia

Aug 2, 2017

Catholics and Christian leaders from several denominations have joined forces in the Australian state of Victoria to decry a bill... Read more

The story of the 26 year-old Filipino Jesuit on the road to sainthood

Aug 2, 2017

Brother Richie Fernando was a 26 year-old Jesuit seminarian from the Philippines when in 1996 he died protecting his Cambodian... Read more