Catholic Church in India
The Latest
Papal Christmas deadline over Syro-Malabar rift is met, but Indian archdiocese simmers
Protests and disruptions to “unified” Masses mandated by the pope were observed around the archdiocese, but it remains if there... Read more
Indian priest jailed under ‘anti-conversion’ laws is released
Father Babu Francis was detained by the police on Oct. 1 after he sought information on the arrest and detention... Read more
Dissenting priests in Syro-Malabar Church protest Pope Francis’ Christmas deadline
Tensions have risen in the Eastern Catholic Church in the Indian state of Kerala as the deadline approaches to implement... Read more
U.S. religious freedom watchdog urges White House to list India as country of concern
The USCIRF said it was “alarmed by India’s increased transnational targeting of religious minorities and those advocating on their behalf.” Read more
More than 10,000 Indian Catholics welcome new archbishop in conflict-torn Manipur
More than 10,000 Catholics from across the state of Manipur attended the Dec. 8 installation of the new archbishop of... Read more
Pope Francis accepts resignation of head of Syro-Malabar Church, Cardinal Alencherry
Pope Francis on Thursday accepted the resignation of Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, based in... Read more
Refugees of ethnic clash in India find open arms in majority-Christian state
“We are grateful to God [that] we are safe here,” said Mercy Tungdian, who now lives with her three small... Read more
Vatican puts 35 Catholic ‘martyrs of Kandhamal’ in India on road to sainthood
The Christians were killed in the 2008 Christian persecution that took place in the remote jungle district of the eastern... Read more
Church in India celebrates two recent Supreme Court verdicts
The cases, involving abortion rights and gay marriage, came down within the same 24-hour period. Read more
Thousands mourn Indian Cardinal Telesphore Toppo at funeral Mass
Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, Asia’s first tribal cardinal who died on Oct. 4, was remembered for his humility, simplicity, and... Read more
Pope Francis remembers Cardinal Toppo of India for ‘zeal for the spread of the Gospel’
Cardinal Telesphore Toppo was the “first and only cardinal of the tribal communities of Asia,” said Archbishop Andrews Thazhath. Read more
Indian priest who joined Hindu nationalist party relieved of duties by bishop
The priest’s action took place at a time of rising persecution of Christians in India. Read more
India’s Modi government invites Christian rights watchdog to discuss concerns
The head of the Christian human rights group had written to the prime minister’s office about three major grievances. Read more
Mother Teresa is ‘teacher of love’ says Kolkata archbishop on anniversary of saint’s death
The feast of St. Teresa of Kolkata was celebrated by Catholics and non-Catholics alike with Mass, prayers, tributes, and visits... Read more
Journalist documents power of forgiveness on anniversary of Christian persecution in India
Anto Akkara held a recent screening of his sixth film about the killings of Christians in Kandhamal, India, in 2008. Read more
India’s bishops elated after successful moon landing
Catholic bishops in India lauded the touchdown of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, marking mankind’s first successful mission to the moon’s south... Read more
On Indian Independence Day, bishops reiterate Christians’ patriotism
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India also called for “resolving internal challenges with empathy, understanding, and unity.” Read more
Pope Francis appoints delegate to resolve Syro-Malabar liturgical dispute in India
The controversy centers on a complex debate about which direction the priest should face when celebrating the liturgy. Read more
Hindu nationalists demand arrest of Catholic priest in India for saying king was not a god
Hindu groups had staged demonstrations in front of the police station calling for criminal charges to be brought against Father... Read more
House chairman: State Department is giving religious freedom violators ‘a pass’
“I am concerned that the U.S. State Department is not using all the tools provided to hold guilty parties accountable,”... Read more
