Long before the earthquakes in February, the viability of the Christian community in Samandag had been under cultural and economic threat. Many from the city’s minority Christian community had already departed, seeking economic or educational opportunities elsewhere.
Asia
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
75 years after Gandhi’s assassination, Hindu nationalism troubles India
Seventy-five years after Gandhi’s death, when Hindu nationalism has risen to the highest echelons of the Indian government, his legacy in the nation he helped liberate is complex and, in some cases, denigrated.
Posted inFaith, News
Hackers planted false files implicating Indian Jesuit Father Swamy who died in prison
The 84-year-old Jesuit died in a hospital while imprisoned in Mumbai in July 2021 after being denied bail on medical grounds, despite suffering from multiple age-related ailments.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Vatican statement suggests China violated agreement over appointment of bishops
In an unusual move, the Vatican issued a public statement of regret, essentially accusing the Chinese government of violating its agreement with the Vatican.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
South Korean bishops offer prayers after Halloween stampede kills over 150 people
Catholic bishops in South Korea expressed sorrow and offered prayers after more than 150 people died in a stampede during Halloween celebrations in Seoul.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Pope Francis calls Thailand daycare massacre an act of ‘unspeakable violence’
In a message sent Oct. 7 by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, the pope offered prayers for the victims “of the horrific attack” that claimed the lives of 36 people, including at least 24 children, Oct. 6.
Posted inFaith, Podcasts
Podcast: Pope Francis’ Kazakhstan visit was overshadowed by one bishop’s criticism—but it shouldn’t have been
Also on the show: How does Pope Francis’ approval of sending arms to Ukraine square with his criticism of the arms trade?
Posted inFaith, News
Sex and gender dominate German church debates. But Catholics in the Global South have different challenges—and values
The Synod on Synodality of the Catholic Church faces diverse problems in diverse areas of the world, especially in the global south.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
What Catholics need to know about Kazakhstan before Pope Francis’ visit
Kazakhstan, which Pope Francis will visit tomorrow, is largely an unknown country to many Catholics around the world. Here is a brief introduction to the country and its small Catholic community.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
New Chinese Catholic leaders say they’ll follow Communist Party principles
Two state-sponsored church bodies in China have elected new leaders, who promised to invigorate the Catholic faithful pastorally in line with the socialist principles of the Chinese Communist Party.