Arriving in Thailand after an 11-hour flight, Pope Francis was greeted by 11 children — one for each of the country’s dioceses.
Asia
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
The first Jesuit arrived in Japan in 1549. Why are there so few Christians today?
On the eve of Pope Francis’ visit to Japan, an exclusive interview with Yoshio Kajiyama, S.J., the Hiroshima-born former provincial of the country’s Jesuits.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
What it means for Pope Francis to visit Thailand, a majority Buddhist country
Pope Francis is coming to “the land of interreligious dialogue” when he visits Thailand from Nov. 20 to Nov. 23 as “a pilgrim of peace.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
‘Using nuclear weapons is immoral,’ Pope Francis says ahead of Japan trip
“Together with you, I pray that the destructive power of nuclear weapons will never again be unleashed in human history.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis is going to Japan and Thailand: Here’s what you need to know
It will be his fourth trip to Asia since becoming pope.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Hong Kong bishop urges independent inquiry into student’s death
A student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology was found injured in a parking lot Nov. 4 as police clashed with protesters. He fell into a coma while being treated at the hospital and died four days later.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Sri Lanka presidential candidate pledges laws against religious extremism in run up to election
In his election platform, Sajith Premadasa identified religious extremism, illegal drugs and corruption as three issues that require urgent attention.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Hong Kong bishops: God can help us to recognize human dignity
As demonstrations pitting pro-government groups against pro-democracy protesters continue, a bishop urged Catholics to pray for the realization that all are humans and not “cockroaches or dogs.”
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
New report details challenges for Christianity in Asia and the Middle East
Christianity is disappearing from towns and cities in parts of the Middle East, warns a new report from the papal foundation Aid to the Church in Need.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis to visit Japan and Thailand in November
Pope Francis believes that Christianity and the Catholic Church can have a great future in this continent where two-thirds of humanity live.