Church in Asia Archives

No handshakes: Viral outbreak spooks Asian places of worship

Feb 17, 2020

In a popular Catholic church in the Philippines, nearly half of the pews were empty for Sunday Mass. The few hundred worshippers who showed up were asked to refrain from shaking others’ hands or holding them during prayers to prevent the spread of the virus that started in China.

By Jim Gomez

No handshakes: Viral outbreak spooks Asian places of worship

Feb 16, 2020

By Jim Gomez

Public Masses canceled in Hong Kong as fears over coronavirus swell

Feb 14, 2020

Responding to a government appeal for citizens to stay home in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the administrator of the Hong Kong diocese has suspended public Masses until the end of the month, including the Ash Wednesday service marking the beginning of the Lenten season.

By Elise Ann Allen

Catholics split, Vatican largely mum on Hong Kong protests

Dec 9, 2019

As protests continue to unravel in Hong Kong, the Vatican has maintained its silence and Catholics appear split about what exactly their role is and just how political they ought to be.

By Elise Harris

Taiwan’s ambassador to Vatican blasts mainland China, aligns with Francis agenda

Oct 4, 2019

Taiwanese Ambassador to the Holy See Matthew S.M. Lee has blasted mainland China over what he said is a lack of respect for basic freedoms and human rights, and aligned his embassy with key papal priorities, such as care for migrants and the environment.

By Elise Harris

Myanmar cardinal says West’s conflicts with Islam punish Christians in Asia, Africa

May 31, 2019

Innocent Christians are sacrificed because of five decades of geo-strategic conflicts between the Islamic countries and the West, according to the president of Asia’s main Catholic bishops’ organization.

By Nirmala Carvalho