The Church in Asia

Pope Leo XIV arrived at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Tuesday morning, Oct. 13, to undergo surgery. The Holy See Press Office previously announced that the pontiff would be admitted to the hospital to have a small, localized nodule removed from his lung.

The Pope informed the public during his Angelus address on Sunday that doctors advised the procedure after discovering the nodule during a routine medical checkup. He stated he decided to undergo the surgery following that medical advice. A crowd of journalists and others waited outside the hospital as he arrived for the scheduled afternoon operation.

Catholic family ministry workers from across Thailand met in Phitsanulok province from Oct. 9 to 11 to reflect on the Church's care for families ten years after the publication of Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia. Organized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand Commission for the Family, the three-day event brought together diocesan coordinators and pastoral teams under the theme of building the family as a domestic church.

Bishop Paul Thawat Singsa of Nakhon Sawan presided over the opening Mass at St. Nicholas Church. During his homily, Bishop Thawat described the domestic church as the primary place for passing down love, faith, and moral values. He noted that families currently face pressures such as economic difficulties and technological isolation, and he encouraged pastoral workers to accompany Catholic families through these challenges.

Archbishop Julius Tonel of Zamboanga urged voters to reject political dynasties during a religious feast on Oct. 12. Addressing devotees at the Fort Pilar Shrine in Zamboanga City, Tonel linked concentrated political power to corruption and poverty.

The vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines told the crowd that political dynasties represent a moral and ethical concern rather than just a political issue. He stated that corruption worsens poverty by undermining public services such as education, health care, and infrastructure. Tonel encouraged Filipinos to hold officials accountable and support laws that ban political dynasties.

Tonel also endorsed the “Dapat Isa Lang” people’s initiative. He asked parishes to assist Catholics, especially senior citizens and those without internet access, in participating in the initiative's online signature campaign. He said the Christian faith requires people to participate in public affairs to care for the country and the common good.

An exceptionally strong El Niño is causing fires, haze, and heat across parts of Asia, leading to drought and potential power shortages. In Indonesia, prolonged dry conditions have fueled fires in forests and plantations throughout the Borneo and South Sumatra regions. These fires have sent haze into neighboring countries, prompting Malaysia to close schools in several regions last week and offer firefighting assistance to Indonesia. Singapore has announced subsidies for citizens seeking medical treatment for illnesses linked to the haze.

The fires have impacted both people and wildlife. Tens of thousands of people have fallen ill, while conservationists have rescued dozens of orangutans from smoke and flames. Between August and October 9, authorities and the conservation group YIARI rescued 46 orangutans. Andi Muhammad Khadafi, head of the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency, noted that animals like a female orangutan named Novita were forced to leave their habitats due to the flames.

The weather pattern is also straining regional power systems. Myanmar has warned residents to expect electricity outages as an unseasonal heat wave increases demand for power. Experts attribute Indonesia's vulnerability to these fires to years of deforestation and peatland drainage.

The Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar and the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Central Asia are asking the faithful to pray for the health of Pope Leo XIV.

Cardinal Giorgio Marengo informed Catholics during the Angelus prayer on Sunday, October 11, that a recent medical examination revealed a small nodule in the Pope's lung. Doctors determined the nodule is localized and has not spread, leading to the decision to proceed with surgery.

Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to those supporting him and requested prayers from the Church community.

Atambua Cathedral Parish held its 38th Tri Harta Iman procession on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The event featured a procession of the Kitab Suci, Sakramen Mahakudus, and an arca Bunda Maria.

Father Agustinus Seran Berek led the opening worship at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Imakulata Atambua. The procession moved from the cathedral through the lingkungan Santa Clara dari Asisi to the stasi kedua of lingkungan St. Petrus Kanisius, then to the stasi ketiga of lingkungan St. Agustinus Manumutin and the final stasi of lingkungan St. Fransiskus Xaverius before returning to the cathedral.

Father Berek stated that the procession has become a cultural tradition and a specialty of the Atambua Cathedral Parish. He explained that the Kitab Suci, Sakramen Mahakudus, and the statue of Bunda Maria are inseparable. He expressed hope that the tradition will continue for future generations.

Holy Cross brothers, priests, and sisters from the St. Joseph Province in Bangladesh met at the St. Joseph Provincial House in Dhaka on Oct. 9 to discuss their educational mission. The seminar focused on how educators can better serve young people through faith, compassion, and a preference for marginalized students.

The group assessed their academic and pastoral work across the country, focusing on Holy Cross pedagogy and educator formation. Discussions centered on the theme of educators in the faith and their option for the underprivileged, reflecting the Church's call to prioritize the poor and vulnerable.

Representatives from the Holy Cross General Administration guided the sessions: Second General Assistant Br. Prodip Placid Gomes, C.S.C., Third General Assistant Fr. Andrew Gawrych, C.S.C., and Fourth General Assistant Br. Bertrand Nee Wayoe, C.S.C. Participants revisited the vision of Blessed Basil Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, regarding education as a tool for restoring hope through faith.

Bishop Piotr Pytlowany presided over a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Minor Basilica of Saint Joseph in Karaganda on October 11. This served as the first liturgical celebration for the bishop following his episcopal ordination and the start of his ministry as the Ordinary of the Diocese of Karaganda.

Mitred Archpriest Vasyl Hovera, the Apostolic Administrator for the Byzantine rite faithful in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, participated in the Mass. The basilica where the celebration occurred is noted for its historical connection to religious persecution.

Bishop Petro Pytlovanyi celebrated a thanksgiving Mass at the St. Joseph Small Basilica in Karaganda on October 11. This service marks the first Mass presided over by Bishop Pytlovanyi since his ordination and the start of his ministry as the ordinary of the Karaganda Diocese.

Mitrophor Protoiereus Vasyl Hovera, the Apostolic Administrator for the Byzantine Rite faithful in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, participated in the liturgy. The basilica where the Mass took place is noted for its historical connection to the 20th-century persecutions and the witnesses of faith in the region.

Bishop Peter Pytlovany led a thanksgiving Mass at the St. Joseph Small Basilica in Karaganda on October 11. This service marked the first Mass celebrated by the bishop following his ordination and his start as the ordinary of the Karaganda Diocese.

Mitrophor protodeacon Vasily Govera, the apostolic administrator for Byzantine Rite believers in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, attended the liturgy. The Apostolic Administration of Kazakhstan and Central Asia noted that the basilica is a site connected to the history of 20th-century faith confessors and religious persecution.

Monsignor Peter Pytlovany was ordained as the bishop of the Diocese of Karaganda on October 10, 2026, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima, Mother of All Nations.

Apostolic Administrator Mitred Archpriest Vasyl Hovera led the service, which included priests from the Apostolic Administration for Catholics of the Byzantine Rite in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Monsignor Peter Pitlavyana was ordained a bishop for the Diocese of Karaganda on October 10, 2026. The ceremony took place at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima, Mother of All Nations in Karaganda.

The Apostolic Administration of Kazakhstan e Asia Centrale reported that all priests from the Apostolic Administration for Catholics of the Byzantine Rite in Kazakhstan and Central Asia attended the service. They were led by Apostolic Administrator Mitrophor Protodeacon Vasyl Hovera.

Monsignor Petr Pytlovana was ordained a bishop for the Diocese of Karaganda on October 10, 2026. The episcopal ordination took place at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima, Mother of All Nations in Karaganda.

The Apostolic Administration of Kazakhstan for Catholics of the Byzantine Rite in Kazakhstan and Central Asia participated in the liturgy. The clergy were led by Apostolic Administrator Protopresbyter Vasiliy Govera.

The University of Santo Tomas will award an honorary doctorate in theology to Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila on Oct. 15. The university is conferring the degree to recognize his service to the Church, specifically his work in priestly formation and pastoral leadership.

UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., stated in an Oct. 8 memorandum that the ceremony serves as an expression of thanks for the cardinal's ministry and dedication to his people. Coronel added that the recognition emphasizes using education and knowledge to serve the Church and society.

The 74-year-old cardinal previously earned a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology from the Dominican-run university in 1975. Following his studies at the university, Advincula studied in Rome and received a licentiate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. He has served as the bishop of San Carlos, the archbishop of Capiz, and currently the archbishop of Manila.

St. Xavier’s College hosted the Festival of Innovation: Goa’s Young Innovators, an event organized by the Department of Chemistry and the Institution’s Innovation Cell. The festival served as part of the birth centenary celebrations for the late Rev. Dr. Nicolau Pereira.

Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, the Goa government director for Information Technology, Electronics & Communication and the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, inaugurated the event. During his address, Shirgaonkar shared information regarding startup schemes and opportunities available to young innovators in Goa.

The festival included participants from 28 institutions across Goa. Students showcased various creations, including fire fighting robots, floor cleaning robots, road safety sensors, a smart safety device for women called Electrosetinel, a fire fighting car, and anti sleep goggles.

Ms. Janesline Fernandes, head of the chemistry department, said the festival provides an opportunity for students to showcase creativity rather than acting solely as a competition. Officiating Principal Ms. Ursula Barreto noted that the event celebrates creators whose ideas can promote entrepreneurship and job creation. College alumnus and innovator Bhikaji Gawade also spoke to students about the importance of recognizing personal strengths to become successful innovators.

AICUF presented PIETA, a musical production reflecting on the life and resilience of Mother Mary, at St. Xavier’s College in Mapusa. The performance used music, dance, and drama to explore the spiritual and human challenges faced by Mary.

Bishop Simiao Purificacao Fernandes of Goa and Daman attended as the chief guest. The event included college principal Ursula Barreto, vice principals Filipe Rodrigues e Melo and Sandra Fernandes, and former principals Walter De Sa and Jerome D’Silva. Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira also attended alongside priests, religious, students, and parents.

Dr. Fr. Ramiro Luis conceived the concept of the production to demonstrate Mary's resilience to young people. Student Rachel Nazareth wrote the script, while Worrel D’Souza directed the performance. Gabrielle Nair led the choir and Gresal De Souza choreographed the dances.

Middle East Council of Churches Secretary General Professor Michel Abs spoke at the opening of a regional conference in Egypt titled Countering Hate Speech and Protecting Human Dignity.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki said during a state visit to the Philippines that the Catholic faith serves as a shared foundation for the relations between Poland and the Philippines. Speaking at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila on Oct. 7, 2026, Nawrocki noted that religion plays an important role in both societies by shaping values such as family, solidarity, responsibility, and care for others.

Nawrocki, who is conducting the first state visit to the Philippines by a Polish president, traced the historical ties between the two nations to Catholic missionaries from the Spanish colonial period. He specifically mentioned Wojciech Męciński, a Jesuit priest from Kraków believed to be the first Pole to visit the Philippines in the 17th century.

The president also honored St. John Paul II as a key figure connecting the two predominantly Catholic countries. He noted that the late pope visited the Philippines in 1981 and 1995, with the second visit occurring during the first World Youth Day held in Asia in Manila.

Bishop Rufino Sescon Jr. of Balanga warned that devotion to Jesus Nazareno is being exploited for financial gain and urged Church leaders to protect its spiritual integrity. Speaking during a keynote address at the first National Conference of Spiritual Directors of Jesus Nazareno Devotees in Quezon City on Oct. 8, the former rector of Quiapo Church stated that people are making money from the devotion.

Sescon advised devotees to move beyond physical religious practices to become missionary disciples who proclaim the Gospel. He cautioned against measuring faith by the physical suffering experienced during the Traslacion, the annual procession held on Jan. 9. According to Sescon, devotion is measured by love rather than the number of times a person climbs, is jostled, or suffers wounds.

The bishop stated that devotion lacks substance without obedience and love, noting that authentic faith requires Christian living and service. He encouraged priests and pastoral leaders to establish formation programs to assist devotees.

Students from Timika, Papua, who study at Soegijapranata Catholic University in Semarang, Indonesia, participated in a spiritual retreat in mid-August 2026 to reflect on their roles in faith and service. Held at the Sanjaya Pastoral Center in Muntilan, Central Java, the program encouraged the students to explore how the missionary spirit applies to their lives and higher education.

The retreat taught that missionary work is not limited to traveling to remote areas for healthcare or socioeconomic development. Instead, participants learned that they can live out this spirit in daily life by fostering solidarity and making the love of Christ present to others.

The location in Muntilan provided historical context, as the town is a significant site for the history of the Catholic Church in Indonesia regarding education and evangelization. The program used this heritage to help students recognize the missionary identity as an essential part of being a Christian.

Children and youth in the Diocese of Surat Thani participated in the Missionary Childhood Association Camp from Oct. 6 to 9. The event used the theme "Heart of Francis" to lead participants through spiritual formation activities based on the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Participants visited eight interactive learning stations covering topics such as compassion, forgiveness, environmental stewardship, service, perseverance, generosity, action, and inner peace. The camp opened with a liturgy at Mary Help of Christians Hall at Upatham Wittaya Phanom School in Surat Thani province, presided over by Father Sitthichok Saewaengkan, the assistant bishop for evangelization.

The Missionary Childhood Association originated in France in 1843 after Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson founded the Holy Childhood Association to help starving and abandoned children in China. Working with Pauline Jaricot, the bishop established the "Children Helping Children" movement, which encouraged young people to support others through prayer and small monthly donations. The association now operates in 120 countries.

Father Nerses Galstyan, the head of Armenian Catholic communities in Armenia and parish priest of Tashir, received the new directors of the Armenian office of L’Oeuvre d’Orient at the Gyumri office of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate on October 7.

Because Archbishop Gevorg Arutyunyan was in Rome for episcopal synod sessions, Father Galstyan hosted the meeting on his behalf. The group included the new directors, former directors, the deputy director of L’Oeuvre d’Orient, and a young volunteer.

Vincent Cayol, the head of operations for L’Oeuvre d’Orient, thanked former directors Luc and Blondine Bouron for their volunteer work. He introduced Thibault and Florence de Langlenier as the volunteer couple succeeding them. Thibault previously worked in the oil industry and Florence is a historian. The couple has prior volunteer experience in Romania and Ivory Coast.

The meeting included several local clergy: Father Hovsep Galstyan, the parish priest of Ashotsk and administrator of the Patriarchate; Father Narek Tadevosyan, the parish priest of Arevik and Lanjik; and Father Mikayel Domburyan, the parish priest of Panik, Azatnan, Gharibjanyan, and Dzitank.

Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing pledged on Thursday to quickly accept migrants being repatriated from Malaysia. During a joint news conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, Min Aung Hlaing stated that the country will take back verified nationals as soon as possible.

This commitment follows a recent repatriation where nearly 1,500 migrants returned to Myanmar on a Malaysian navy vessel after being held in detention centers. While Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced in July that Myanmar agreed to take back 5,000 Rohingya, the Malaysian government later clarified that those being sent back include people of various ethnicities.

The United Nations and human rights groups have raised concerns regarding the safety of these returnees. They question whether individuals can be protected in Myanmar, which has experienced armed conflict since the 2021 military coup. There is specific concern for the Rohingya, who have faced violent persecution in the country. Last month, Myanmar pledged to ensure safe and dignified returns for citizens displaced abroad following criticism from international rights organizations. Malaysia currently hosts approximately 190,000 refugees and asylum seekers from Myanmar, most of whom are Rohingya.

Bishop Joseph Durero, SVD, has asked for prayers for rain as a prolonged drought dries up rivers and disrupts essential supplies in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province. According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, falling water levels have prevented ships from reaching remote areas, cutting off vital transport routes for food and fuel.

During Mass in Port Moresby, Durero stated that the low water levels prevent deliveries, worsening the situation for communities that depend on waterways. The drought affects various indigenous groups in the province, including the Kiwai, Bamu, Fly River, Marind, Arapesh, and Gogodala peoples. Many of these populations rely on the Fly, Strickland, Aramia, and Bamu rivers for fishing, hunting, subsistence agriculture, and travel by boat or canoe.

The River Above Asia Oceania Ecclesial Network (RAOEN) uses a method called biome-based synodality to engage Indigenous youth in discussions about their relationship with the land and faith. This approach encourages young people to share experiences regarding their local environments and how they connect to global climate changes.

In the upland village of Bendum in Upper Pulangi, Bukidnon, Philippines, the Pulangiyēn Indigenous community discussed how changes in crops relate to larger environmental shifts. These conversations help youth understand their local economy and the history of their ancestral domain, including the impact of government Timber License Agreements from the 1970s. RAOEN organizes these sessions over three days to help participants connect their personal stories with past, present, and global environmental realities.

Middle East Council of Churches Secretary General Professor Michel Abs met with Danmission Regional Advisor Kristen Auken in Cairo to discuss cooperation and future projects.

Monsignor Anton Duong Quynh presided over a Mass at the Hoa Da Parish temporary chapel on October 6, 2026, to celebrate the longevity of Anna Le Thi Lai and to pray for the soul of Peter Le Minh Tuan on the third anniversary of his death.

The liturgy included co-celebrants Duong Quynh, Joseph Nguyen Van Chanh, Hieronimô Nguyen Ngoc Ham, senior priests, Hoa Da parish priest Joseph Vo Van Phu, and Andrew Le Minh Phu, the son of Peter. Attendees included religious sisters, parish council members from Phu Hau, Lai An, and Mau Tai, representatives from the Caritas Hue office, and various family members and parishioners.

During the homily, former Hoa Da parish priest Peter Nguyen Huu Giai spoke about the debt of gratitude children owe to their parents for their upbringing. He encouraged the community to practice filial piety and to turn toward God. At the conclusion of the liturgy, Monsignor Quynh offered congratulations to Anna on her longevity and expressed solidarity with Father Andrew.

Bishop Bernardus Bofitwos Baru dedicated the St. Mary Queen of the Rosary Catholic Church in Idakebo on Wednesday, 7/10/26. The ceremony included a procession from the rectory to the new building, where the bishop blessed water and salt and cut a ribbon alongside the Bupati Dogiyai.

During the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Baru told the faithful that they are called to build the Kingdom of God through concrete actions in daily life. He encouraged the community to focus on economic independence, food security, health, education, and personal repentance.

The dedication ceremony involved the construction committee formally handing the church over to the bishop, who then opened the doors to signify the building is ready for worship, the Word of God, and the Eucharist.

Police arrested a 20-year-old US Marine on suspicion of killing a 39-year-old woman and stealing her wallet at a hotel in Naha. The arrest has triggered protests regarding the US military presence in Okinawa.

About 100 protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in Tokyo on Tuesday to voice opposition to the concentration of US military facilities in Okinawa. Protest organizer Sorane Sakihama told the crowd that the high proportion of bases in the prefecture places local residents at a greater risk of harm from US soldiers.

The incident has revived long-standing criticism of the 1960 agreement that limits Japan's primary jurisdiction over crimes committed by US military personnel. Residents in Okinawa have frequently protested various crimes involving American service members, including assault and drunk-driving accidents.

Catholic scholars, educators, and leaders in Thailand met on Oct. 2 to discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, and its implications for artificial intelligence and human dignity. Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok led the four hour forum, which was organized by Catholic Social Communication Thailand and Saengtham College.

The discussion addressed how technological development affects education, labor, human relationships, and the ability to reflect. Archbishop Arpondratana stated that technology should serve humans rather than the reverse, questioning how artificial intelligence can enhance rather than diminish humanity.

Sister Marie Louise Pornruekngam, SPC, who translated the encyclical from the French edition into Thai, explained her linguistic approach to the title. While the Latin title translates closely to "the magnificent humanity," she chose the Thai phrase "the beauty of being human" to highlight individual value. Sister Marie Louise noted she used generative artificial intelligence tools to assist with her work.

Vinh Son Parish welcomed its first parish priest, Father Ephrem Truong Cuong, during a Mass on October 6, 2026. This appointment marks the first time the community has had its own resident pastor since its formation began 34 years ago.

The parish was officially established on July 2, 2021, by Bishop Aloisius of the Diocese of Kon Tum after being separated from Phu Tho Parish. For much of its history, the community of approximately 550 parishioners relied on priests from Phu Tho Parish for Mass and the sacraments. Following the announcement of Father Cuong's appointment on September 22, 2026, the parish held a Mass of installation to welcome him as their first pastor.

Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, met with Middle East Council of Churches Secretary General Professor Michel Abs and a delegation of researchers. The meeting took place following a conference focused on exploring hate speech and methods to address the phenomenon to promote human dignity and coexistence.

Archbishop Giuse Đặng Đức Ngân administered the sacraments of initiation to 220 ethnic minority members and the sacrament of Confirmation to 100 children at Khe Sanh Parish on October 4, 2026. The liturgy, which celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, took place in the mountainous border region of Quang Tri province.

During the Mass, Archbishop Ngân noted the intense vitality of the Church and the hope present among the ethnic minority communities. The parish priest, Father Matthieu Phan Van Tuyen, provided an overview of the parish history and the work of spreading the Gospel throughout the mountain mission stations in the province.

The Archbishop was joined by several priests, including the dean of the Quang Tri deanery, Father Paul Tran Van Quang, and Father Dominic Le Duy Khanh, the director of the Hue Minor Seminary. Other concelebrants included Monsignor Anton Duong Quynh, Father Matthew Phan Van Tuyen, retired priests, assistant priests of Khe Sanh, and priests from the Sacred Heart Congregation.

Policymakers, economists, and academics gathered at the Atma Jaya Institute of Public Policy on Oct. 1 to mark the centenary of the birth of Frans Seda, an Indonesian Catholic statesman and economist. The memorial lecture, organized by the Frans Seda Foundation and the Catholic University of Atma Jaya Jakarta, examined how Seda's public service can address current geopolitical tensions and global economic changes.

Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara noted that Seda's career demonstrated that managing economic crises requires credibility, integrity, and the courage to make difficult decisions alongside technical expertise. During Seda's tenure as finance minister starting in 1966, Indonesia faced inflation exceeding 650 percent, depleted foreign exchange reserves, and heavy external debt. Under his leadership and the government's stabilization program, inflation dropped to approximately 110 percent in 1967 and 85 percent in 1968. Nazara stated that crisis responses must combine the courage to act with fiscal responsibility.

John Singarayar SVD has proposed five Mysteries of Peace as a new Rosary devotion for Catholics in Asia to pray during October. The devotion serves as a prayerful synthesis of themes from Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas.

The proposed mysteries focus on human dignity, justice for the poor, disarming words, dialogue instead of war, and building a civilization of love. Singarayar notes that the first mystery addresses the dignity of every person, emphasizing that worth is not determined by wealth, social position, or technological capacity. This prayer specifically intends to support those often overlooked in Asia, such as migrant laborers, persecuted minorities, children in conflict zones, and the elderly.

The devotion responds to regional challenges including war, displacement, discrimination against minorities, and the spread of online hatred. Singarayar suggests the prayers help believers choose between a world driven by power and domination and a society where justice and fraternity are possible.