South East Asia

The official celebration was held today with thousands of pilgrims from across Asia, on the liturgical feast day of the friar who bore the stigmata. Masses are celebrated at the church on the 23rd day of every month for those bearing the burden of illness or adversity. For Archbishop Garcera, the church is a global centre “for prayer, healing, and spiritual pilgrimage.”

In 2026 – for the first time – the United States did not admit a single asylum seeker from countries at risk of persecution. From Iran to Myanmar to China, violence against Christians continues: according to Open Doors, 4,849 have been killed, whilst more than 224,000 have been forced to flee their homes.

The government is removing the requirement that at least 30 per cent of the equity of companies operating private educational institutions be held by Bumiputera partners, specifically, ethnic Malay. The measure does not affect student quotas nor does it alter admission policies for public universities, where other quota systems remain in place.

Ahead of a conference on combating online scam centres, the Cambodian government claims to have dismantled hundreds of such facilities. However, various investigations have documented a network of casinos and companies linked to members of the political elite. Meanwhile, trafficking victims often remain without assistance, while criminal networks are simply relocating.

The bishop of Kalookan is “deeply concerned” about the plight of Philippine workers in a region facing severe crises. Remittances from the diaspora hit a record US$ 35.63 billion in 2025. The prelate also highlights the growing danger posed by the uncontrolled use of artificial intelligence in warfare and issues an appeal to world leaders.

Whilst public use of AI in agriculture and healthcare is becoming increasingly widespread, the issue of the effectiveness of these new tools is becoming ever more apparent in a region where many communities speak different languages that are not widely spoken globally. The challenge of developing tailor-made models for ASEAN countries.

This is the third serious violent incident at a school since June. A 16-year-old student at Banga National High School opened fire, killing two students aged 14 to 17 before taking his own life with eight more wounded. For Cardinal Advincula, “We need to listen to” young people, “especially when they suffer quietly”.

More than 4,000 homes were damaged by floods. The assistance provided by the Church has reached 100,000 people and goes beyond housing. For Bishop Bunjamin, this is “a concrete expression of the Church’s solidarity and love.”

Voters in the Philippine autonomous region have elected the first parliament in their history with an 82 per cent turnout. Since no single party has a majority, negotiations for a coalition government will now begin. For the local Church, “peace and prosperity” come first.

A rally held recently outside the Israeli embassy blends resentment over the behaviour of certain tourists, fears regarding the expansion of foreign capital, and nationalism (fuelled by the government itself in its confrontation with Cambodia). Among the organisers is former Yellow Shirt leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

A double anniversary for the cardinal, who is also celebrating 25 years as a bishop. Today, the archdiocesan community gathered at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. ‘Audiam’, a collection of homilies for a Church open to listening, was presented. Pope Leo XIV’s gratitude for his service.

A joint project for next year’s World Youth Day is among the initiatives conceived at the recent assembly in Manila. As they shared their thoughts, participants who talk about their faith online realised they are not alone, and that they can work together.