Asia - Pacific News
Hong Kong’s draconian National Security Law won’t affect seal of confession, diocese says
The Diocese of Hong Kong on Friday issued a statement that the seal of confession would not be violated under... Read more
New Zealand Cardinal Dew denies allegations amid Vatican investigation into alleged abuse
The inquiry was launched after a police investigation concluded without charges. Read more
Indian Cardinal Ferrão to head Asian bishops’ conference amid Church’s continued growth
Despite a sharp decline in Church membership in Western Europe and North America, the Church in Asia has experienced continued... Read more
Australian bishop Christopher Saunders arrested, charged with rape
The charges came after the Vatican turned over to civil authorities its findings on allegations that Christopher Saunders abused vulnerable... Read more
Church floor in Philippines collapses on Ash Wednesday, killing 1 and injuring dozens
Witnesses reportedly heard a loud noise and then screams from the people who fell from the balcony and from some... Read more
Aid group warns of violence against Christians, sees glimmer of hope in Myanmar
A humanitarian aid group has warned of a rise in violence against the persecuted Christian minority amid the bloody civil... Read more
Indian Church to observe ‘day of prayer and fasting’ amid growing religious polarization
The Catholic Church in India has called for observing March 22 as a “day of prayer and fasting for peace... Read more
Amid arrests of Indian priests and nun, bishop calls for ‘storming of heaven’
Eleven out of India’s 28 states have passed laws to criminalize forced conversions but, in practice, they have been used... Read more
16 priests, 25 deacons ordained in Seoul, site of World Youth Day 2027
Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taek of Seoul recently ordained 16 new priests and 25 new deacons for the archdiocese that will... Read more
Half a million Catholics in India petition government for better living conditions
Christians make up about 20% of the local population in Kerala, with the Christian community there tracing its ancient roots... Read more
Freedom of religion is ‘deteriorating’ in Hong Kong, new report says
The Chinese government is now tightening its grip on the region of more than 7 million residents, a Jan. 30... Read more
Church in Sri Lanka to begin canonization process for hundreds killed in 2019 Easter attack
The Archdiocese of Colombo has plans to submit a petition to the Vatican to declare those killed in the Easter... Read more
The first Mexican-born martyr: a castaway friar who was crucified in Japan
Only 25 when he was killed, San Felipe de Jesus — St. Philip of Jesus — is celebrated Feb. 5... Read more
Violence against Christians in India addressed at Catholic bishops’ conference
“The Church can play a crucial role in shaping the moral character of the society,” said Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the... Read more
Holy See appoints third Chinese bishop in less than a week, signaling shift toward Beijing
Father Peter Wu Yishun was named the bishop of the Apostolic Prefecture of Shaowu (Minbei) in the third appointment of... Read more
President of Taiwan joins Pope Francis in call for regulating AI
President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen sent a letter to Pope Francis on Wednesday joining the pontiff in calling for greater... Read more
New leader of Syro-Malabar Church faces daunting task as dissenting priests remain defiant
Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil has his work cut out for him as he seeks to carry out the Holy Father’s... Read more
Pope Francis confirms new head of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church
Pope Francis has confirmed a new head of the Syro-Malabar Church, the largest Eastern Catholic church in India. Read more
Black Nazarene procession in the Philippines draws millions after returning from COVID
The Black Nazarene procession in the Philippines, one of the largest religious devotions in the world, returned this year to... Read more
Chinese bishop who was removed from diocese by Communist regime is arrested
Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin was arrested on Jan. 2 and reportedly instructed to “take clothes for spring, summer, autumn, and... Read more
