It will be the pope’s fourth visit to Asia, the continent where he foresees growth for the Catholic Church in the 21st century.
Asia
Posted inFaith, News
Cardinal Bo slams Myanmar military for brutality in Kachin
Myanmar’s military continues to persecute ethnic Kachin, the predominant Christian group in a conflict-torn part of the country, as well as Rohingya Muslims, said Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, Myanmar.
Posted inArts & Culture, Television
“Queer Eye,” “Terrace House” and a kinder, gentler reality TV
Rather than provoking derision, these shows inspire a sense of empathy, a broadening of horizons.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Jailed Vietnamese Catholic activist ends hunger strike
A prominent Catholic blogger and activist ended a two-week hunger strike in a Vietnamese prison after she met with visiting U.S. diplomats.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Thailand cave rescue draws attention to its thriving Catholic population
During the cave crisis, at the Cathedral of Saint Michael in Thare, a small village located along Nonghan Lake in northeastern Thailand’s Isaan region, Catholics offered Mass and asked for the intervention of St. Michael the Archangel to protect the young men.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
More people in Hong Kong are thinking of leaving. Why?
The heavy hand of Beijing in political and economic affairs has more people in Hong Kong exploring the possibility of escape.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
After three priests are murdered in the Philippines: ‘We will not be afraid.’
Church and political leaders alike expressed alarm over a growing culture of impunity. President Rodrigo Duterte’s frequent tirades against the Catholic Church in the Philippines are believed to have emboldened killers in the recent attacks against priests.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis appeals for prayers ahead of the U.S.-North Korea Singapore summit
Pope Francis and Vatican diplomats have followed with growing concern the grave tensions and even threats of nuclear attacks that have been exchanged between the United States and North Korea.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
State Department report denounces lack of religious freedom in North Korea, Russia, Myanmar
“The situation is dire. We must do more to help [the Rohingya],” said the ambassador.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Hindu hardliners criticize archbishop for talking politics
A top party lawmaker demanded the scrapping of diplomatic ties with the Vatican because of the archbishop’s remarks.