Pope Francis’ second day in Indonesia involved two major events: a meeting with political and religious authorities and an encounter with the Catholic bishops, clergy and catechists at the cathedral.
Asia
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis begins the longest trip of his papacy yet despite age and mobility issues
“Daunting,” “heroic” and even “punishing.” Here’s what to expect during Pope Francis’ Asia-Oceania trip.
Posted inFaith, Interviews
The Vatican’s only Indonesian official expects a warm welcome for Pope Francis—from Catholics and Muslims
In an interview with America, Father Markus Solo spoke about the reasons why Indonesia’s government and its Catholic and Muslim leaders wanted Francis to visit the country, which he described as “young and dynamic.”
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
A brief history of the Catholic Church in Indonesia
How much of Indonesia is Catholic? Is Christianity on the rise? Why is Pope Francis visiting? Here’s what you need to know.
Posted inFaith, News
East Timor’s sex abuse scandal has been ignored by many Catholics. Can Pope Francis’ visit change that?
The pope’s visit comes only two years after the Vatican acknowledged that the Nobel Peace Prize-winning, East Timorese independence hero Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo had sexually abused young boys.
Posted inArts & Culture, Television
‘Shogun’ is a complex tale of religion and colonialism—with Jesuits as villains
“Shogun” is a dire portrait of the Catholic Church’s role in colonial history, but the Japanese are not mere victims in this story.
Posted inPolitics & Society, The Weekly Dispatch
Why isn’t anyone talking about the exodus of Christians in Nagorno-Karabakh?
Christians who have lived in Nagorno-Karabakh for 2,000 years are being driven out by Azerbaijan. Will world leaders act?
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis will head to Asia and Oceania in September for his longest foreign trip yet
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore from Sept. 2 to 13.
Posted inPolitics & Society, The Weekly Dispatch
An outspoken bishop is bringing hope to Catholics under attack in Myanmar
Myanmar’s church has found a powerful new voice in Bishop Shwe, who has joined his flock among the ranks of the nation’s displaced people.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Vietnam’s president has invited Pope Francis to visit the country
Vietnam’s Catholic bishops and community have long wanted the pope to come, and Francis has throughout his pontificate given special attention to Asia.