South-East Asia Pope Francis News Monitoring

Thai Catholic lay leaders welcome historic Vatican appointment of laywoman to lead communications dicastery

The appointment of Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication has been warmly welcomed by Catholic lay leaders in Thailand, who see the decision as a significant affirmation of the growing role of laypeople …

Elderly faithful remain bearers of hope for future generations, Thai priest says

A Bangkok priest challenged Catholics to reject the notion that aging diminishes a person’s value, telling hundreds of elderly faithful that they remain “guardians of the treasures of memory, faith, and wisdom of the Church.” Fr. John Baptist Somkiat …

Vatican officials to join Couples for Christ’s 45th anniversary in Manila

ROME— Two Vatican officials will travel to the Philippines this month for the 45th anniversary celebration of Couples for Christ, one of the world’s largest Catholic lay movements. Bishop Dario Gervasi, adjunct secretary of the Dicastery for Laity, Family …

Where to Watch the World Cup With the Hungriest Fans

Buenos Aires in the East Village. Photo: Jesse Ilan Kornbluth The world’s biggest sporting event has landed in New York, and even though the Meadowlands will host a number of matches, including the final, the tournament’s Stateside arrival is, as far as we …

US vote against Iran war: Symbolic or turning point?

What did the House actually vote for? The House approved a war powers resolution aimed at limiting US military action against Iran. The measure argues that Congress, not the president alone, has constitutional authority to decide whether the United States …

Almost sacred

A Brazil fan kisses a replica of the World Cup trophy inside Stadium 974 before a round-of-16 match between Brazil and South Korea during the 2022 World Cup in Doha, Qatar.  [Photo/Agencies] The chain that hung from Santiago Garcia's neck carried …

Pope Leo XIV awarded honorary 10th dan of taekwondo

World Taekwondo President Choue Chung‑won presents an honorary 10th dan certificate and dobok to Pope Leo during Wednesday’s General Audience at the Vatican. Courtesy of Vatican Press VATICAN CITY — World Taekwondo President Choue Chung-won presented an …

Vatican receives canonization dossier for Cambodia’s 12 martyr-candidates

Catholic bishops from Cambodia have submitted to the Vatican the documents on the diocesan investigation into the beatification and canonization of 12 Catholics killed for their faith in Cambodia. Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, the apostolic vicar of …

Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s general audience given June 3, 2026

1 (OSV News) — The following is the full text of Pope Leo XIV’s general audience address given June 3 in St. Peter’s Square. Catechesis. The Documents of the Second Vatican Council. III. Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium. 3. Rite, sign and symbol Dear …

Blessed Paul Yun Ji-chung and his 123 martyr companions

Blessed Paul Yun Ji-chung joins St. Andrew Kim Taegon as another Korean martyr who is known for his courageous faith in the midst of Christian persecution. Many Catholics are familiar with St. Andrew Kim Taegon and his companions, who are celebrated each …

Catholic theologian warns silence on Philippines’ drug war fuels false narratives among youth

Catholic theologian Daniel Franklin Pilario, CM, warned Wednesday that silence on killings linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign risks shaping a generation of young Filipinos through “false narratives” and disinformation. Speaking …

Pope accepts retirement of one of six Filipino bishops in U.S.

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the retirement of Auxiliary Bishop Alejandro Aclan of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, one of six Filipino bishops serving in the United States. The Vatican announced the decision May 22 at 12 noon (6 p.m. in the Philippines). In …

Soft clericalism: The invisible chains binding Vietnam’s Church

“Do not argue with the priest. Obeying the priest is obeying God.” The phrase is common in many Vietnamese parishes and is often presented as advice about humility and obedience. But when obedience leaves no room for dialogue or disagreement, it ceases to …

Catholic-backed truth commission launched to investigate Philippines drug war killings

Catholic Church leaders, human rights advocates, forensic experts, and academics on Wednesday launched an independent truth commission to document extrajudicial killings linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign and preserve the …

Divine Mercy Chapel offers new vision of sacred architecture in Thailand

At a time when religious architecture is often associated with grandeur and striking visual forms, the Divine Mercy Chapel on the eastern outskirts of Bangkok is drawing attention for a very different reason: its quiet simplicity and strong commitment to …

The Education of Pope Leo XIV

Father Bob Prevost, today known to the world as Pope Leo XIV, says that when he first arrived in Peru as an Augustinian missionary in 1985, thirty years old and three years a priest, he was naïve. “It was all very natural to me,” he recently told his …

Tim Fischer Oration brings a Vatican scholar to Sydney

Dr Mary Healy. Photo: Supplied. When Dr Mary Healy steps to the lectern at Rosehill Gardens at the third Tim Fischer Oration on Ethics in Public and Political Life on the evening of 17 June, she will carry with her a biography that few Catholic scholars …

The people who say no to being a parent, and have very happy lives

A few months ago, Bianka Ismailovski was seated at what would have been a forgettable dinner party in Melbourne had she not spent 40 minutes being called selfish by a table of people she had just met. “It was just so crazy,” says the 36-year-old comedian …

LA Auxiliary Bishop Aclan, the 2nd Filipino American to be named US bishop, retires

48 WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the Auxiliary Bishop Alejandro “Alex” D. Aclan of Los Angeles, 75, who was the second Filipino American priest to be named bishop in the U.S. when he was appointed in 2019.  The …

A Statement From Tribal Administrator Lisa...

Riverbend Centre Austin Texas Announces New Director

Respected Central Texas leader and engagement expert joins Riverbend Centre, bringing over 20 years experience in strategic events and community partnerships AUSTIN, TX, TX, UNITED STATES, June 4, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Riverbend Centre is pleased …

New Research Finds Mom and Dad Are the Most Powerful Force in Keeping Children Faithful

A major report draws on research of more than 60,000 Americans to learn what actually works in transmitting the faith to the next generation. CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, UNITED STATES, June 4, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- A new report released today by …

Jessica Davidson Introduces New Approach to Ethical Financing for Holistic and Tattoo Businesses

Heal N Tatt Financing offers relationship-based, no-credit-check in-house financing for wellness studios and tattoo artists NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, June 4, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Not everyone who builds something extraordinary starts from a …

Monsoon Season Highlights Architectural Heritage of Bhojeshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL, MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA, June 4, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Built under the Paramara dynasty and designated by the Archaeological Survey of India as a Monument of National Importance, the temple at Bhojpur draws pilgrims and visitors …

Trinity International University of Ambassadors Issues Official Institutional Clarification Regarding Identity Confusion

Trinity International University of Ambassadors Issues Official Institutional Clarification Regarding Identity Confusion FLORIDA, SOUTH AFRICA, June 4, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Trinity International University of Ambassadors Clarifies …

Tribal Court Prosecutor Open-Door Office Hours

The Comanche Nation Prosecutor Jonathan Rohrer, has established open-door office hours to meet with tribal members. The weekly hours set aside will be Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Comanche Nation Courthouse. For more information, please call ( …

Tribal Court Prosecutor Offers Open-Door...

RISE AS ONE: Global Christian Anthem Unites Nations Through Faith, Hope and Unity During the World Cup Season

Created by Shekinah Grace Moyes and Angel Gospel Music, an international Christian music and media initiative from Vancouver, Canada. VANCOUVER , BRITISH COLUMBIA , CANADA, June 3, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA …

Dead Men Walking a Stairway to Life Calls for Spiritual Renewal and Positive Change in Communities

Walter Thomas delivers a faith-based message of transformation, encouraging men to embrace purpose, responsibility, and a Christ-centered life. NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- In his inspiring book, Dead Men …

God Calling in Poetry Invites Readers Into a Year-Long Journey of Daily Conversations With God

Frank Raj offers a unique 365-day devotional that combines poetry, reflection, and spiritual insight to help readers deepen their connection with God. NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- God Calling in Poetry: A …

Travel Like a Hero Reimagines Spiritual Self-Help through Journey-Based Storytelling and Guided Personal Discovery

Explore who you are meant to be in this journey blending memoir, philosophy, wisdom across traditions, and Wayfinding Tools for navigating life with purpose. NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- What happens when …

The National Black Church Initiative Support and Endorse Karen Bass for Mayor of Los Angeles

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) is a coalition of 150,000 African American and Latino faith communities, comprising 27.7 million members, support and endorse Karen …

SFA Academy Opens Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year

Dover, Florida's Premier Athletic Private School for Boys Now Accepting Students in Grades 6 through 12 DOVER, FL, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- SFA Academy, the dually accredited private school for boys located in Dover …

Tampa Entrepreneur and SFA Academy Founder Mark Oliver Launches Personal Documentary on YouTube

From Walk-On to Builder of Communities: The Mark Oliver Story Is Now Streaming DOVER, FL, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DOVER, FL, May 28, 2026 — Mark Oliver, the Tampa-area entrepreneur, educator, …

Rabies Vaccine Clinic

Benjamin William Hastings and Aodhán King Announce Co-Headlining Happy To Be Here Tour

Tickets On Sale Now NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Two of modern worship music’s most distinctive voices, Aodhán King and Benjamin William Hastings, are joining forces for the Happy To Be Here Tour, a co- …

NEW DAY EXPANDS RESOURCE NAVIGATION SERVICES FOR CANCER PATIENTS WITH SUPPORT FROM JEWISH FUND

New Day will not only connect patients, families and caregivers to cancer resources, but also address logistical and financial challenges. ROCHESTER HILLS, MI, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- With support from The Jewish Fund, …

NBCI's 150,000 Churches Support and Endorse Ms. Joyce Marie Griggs for Congress

National Black Church Initiative Endorses Joyce Marie Griggs for Georgia’s First Congressional District WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a coalition of 150,000 African …

Life.Church Switch Invites Listeners to 'Hunger' for Jesus in New Single

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2026 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Known for their hit single, “Symphony,” Life.Church Switch has released a new single, "Hunger" (Life.Church), now available on all streaming platforms. This first release from …