Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences

As the Catholic Church in Asia prepares for the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 20–26, the Church in Sri Lanka offers a unique perspective on the assembly's call to "Synodal Conversion and the Mission of Being Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia."

As the Catholic Church in Asia prepares for the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the FABC and Archbishop of Goa and Damão in western India, has shared his vision for a more synodal, missionary, and dialogical Church.

At the Twelfth Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), to be held from July 20 to 26, 2026, bishops from across Asia will gather under the theme, “The Call to Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia.” The assembly will reflect on how the Church can become an increasingly credible witness of dialogue, communion, and hope in a continent marked by extraordinary diversity.

As the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) prepares to hold its XII Plenary Assembly in Jakarta from July 20 to 26, 2026, the Catholic Church in Indonesia stands ready to share a unique ecclesial experience shaped by dialogue, diversity, and service.

When Pope Paul VI stepped onto Asian soil in 1970, he was doing more than making a pastoral visit. He was signaling a shift in how the Catholic Church viewed its global mission.

As the Year of the Ordinary Jubilee 2025 drew to a close in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, southwest India, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI), speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, described the Holy Year as “a gift of grace” that has deeply touched the lives of the faithful.

In a recently published Christmas message, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), urged the faithful in Asia to “become instruments of transformation, bringing peace to a disturbed world.”

The 30th FABC-OSC Bishops’ Meet concluded on Dec 12 at St. Francis University, Hong Kong, with a call for the Church in Asia to respond wisely and pastorally to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.

In late November 2025, the Malaysian city of Penang became the vibrant hub of a historic continental gathering as over 900 Catholic leaders and faithful from across Asia convened for the Great Pilgrimage of Hope (GPH).

At the Bishops’ Meet 2025 currently underway in Hong Kong, Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, delivered a deeply reflective and thought-provoking keynote address on the opportunities and challenges brought by artificial intelligence (AI).

At a time when Pope Leo has repeatedly urged global leaders to ensure that artificial intelligence serves the cause of human dignity and peace, the Office of Social Communications of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC-OSC) is organizing its 2025 Bishops’ Meet in Hong Kong with a renewed call to address the pastoral, ethical, and spiritual challenges posed by AI.

The Great Pilgrimage of Hope (GPH) may have ended, but its message continues to echo across Asia. If the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) describes the Church as one “in dialogue for mission,” GPH 2025 makes it clear who will help drive that mission forward: the youth.

As the Great Pilgrimage of Hope drew thousands of faithful to Penang, Cardinal Philip Neri, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), shared reflections on the experience, its significance for Asia, and the future of the Church’s engagement across the continent.

Designed by renowned Indian art director Sanil Augustine, the logo embodies the themes of hope, togetherness, Gospel witness, and community, the very heart of the Great Pilgrimage of Hope.

“Let us be rooted in Christ and be messengers of hope as Catholic educators,” urged Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, during the inaugural Eucharistic celebration of the 56th National Convention of the All India Association of Catholic Schools (AINACS).

Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara of Pasig, Philippines has called on Church leaders across Asia to remain faithful to the synodal journey, reminding them that synodality must not be reduced to a mere slogan or short-lived program.