On May 1, 2025, the Apostolic Nunciature in Thailand was deeply honored to welcome the Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Paentongtarn Shinawatra, who visited to sign the Book of Condolence and pay her respects to the memory of Pope Francis.
Radio Veritas Asia’s Telugu service and Amruthavani conducted a free medical camp on December 20 to provide free medical check-up and special consultation for the public.
Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay has appealed to Catholics to make an effort to be more religious and avoid drinking alcohol and partying over Christmas and New Year.
Christians and Muslims in Indonesia's East Java province have decorated a Christmas tree using masks and hand-sanitizer bottles to remind people to follow health protocols and show unity amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo urged Catholics in Sri Lanka to celebrate Christmas with family and to observe the day with faith, especially in the middle of the pandemic.
The Vatican has issued a decree this week allowing priests to celebrate up to four Masses on Christmas Day, on New Year’s Day, and on Jan. 6, Feast of the Epiphany.
The Supreme Court of India agreed Monday to consider a petition that the requirement of annual confession in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church violates its members' privacy rights.
Churches in the Philippines are preparing to welcome Christmas under the “new normal” by tweaking traditions to comply with health guidelines during the pandemic.
The international Catholic pastoral charity Aid to the Church in Need supports the calls for the release of Jesuit priest Fr. Stan Swamy, who has been incarcerated since October 8 for alleged illegal activities and denied release on bail.
Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun has warned that the recent arrest of Jimmy Lai shows a rise in “political intimidation” against journalists in Hong Kong, part of a systematic erosion of basic freedoms, including religious freedom, by the Chinese government in recent months.
The bishops of Indonesia urged Catholics to participate in the upcoming local elections by voting for Catholics who honor the common good while fighting unjust practices.
With changes brought about by the global health crisis, the Diocese of Hong Kong announced that it will focus its pastoral work in the coming year on “parish renewal”.
Pope Francis announced the start of the observance of a Year of St. Joseph on Dec. 8 to mark the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church.
Bishop Raymond Saw Po Ray, bishop of the Diocese of Mawlamyaine in Myanmar, celebrated his 33rd episcopal ordination anniversary on December 8 at the Holy Family Cathedral in Mawlamyaine.
