Renewed fighting between Pakistan and the Taliban is further exacerbating the precarious situation of families registered as refugees by the UNHCR but without a clear pathway to permanent resettlement. Often living incognito for security reasons, they fear repatriation to Afghanistan, under a government that persecutes them. One woman pleads: "I want my children to be able to grow up without fear.”
The latest victim is a 47-year-old teacher and mother of three, shot to the head in the Wadi al-Nasara region. Activists and NGOs warn of targeted attacks and disturbing disappearances under the influence of Islamic extremism. With the start of Ramadan, shops and restaurants have been attacked for selling alcohol. In Homs, at least 10 Alawites have been killed.
A new bill under consideration by the Duma seeks to limit the right to hold religious services in private buildings in order to ‘prevent the spread of hostile radical ideas.’ All religious denominations, including the Russian Orthodox Church, are opposed to the bill. Protestant communities would be the most affected, as they have been unable to obtain land to build their own churches since Soviet times.
Originally from Kerala, he had travelled to the district of Ballia for a meeting with several families. Hindu nationalists accuse him of luring people with financial incentives, but the case is part of a wider context in which Bajrang Dal “vigilantes” are breaking into Christians' homes. Activist Dinanath Jaiswar of Alliance Defending Freedom India: “Attacks on the rise, fear in communities”.
The Heal Foundation Pakistan financed the month-long renovation work at St Mary's Church in Malkhanwala. Local groups and individuals who had previously received support and aid from the Catholic NGO were also involved. Fr Rauf: the widows' offering has ‘spiritual value’ and is ‘an example for the whole community’.
Hundreds of religious leaders gathered by the Sangha have issued a ten-point statement and launched a petition on which they are collecting signatures from the faithful. They claim that the current government is pursuing a de facto separation between state and religion despite the role reserved for it by the Constitution. They have called for protection for temples, statues and religious teaching, but also for action against those who denigrate the Buddhist faith on social networks.
For Christians and Muslims, the sacred period of fasting and prayer began yesterday, at a delicate time for the nation. Archbishop of Dhaka: “We hunger and thirst for justice.” Through fasting and austerity, “Christian life becomes stronger and more authentic.” Government office hours change, public primary schools close for 35 days.
In the latest instalment of AsiaNews' reportage in the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, Fr Paulraj Devaraj shares his testimony. A “multicultural” community looks on with concern at regional tensions, from Gaza to Iran. There is “greater sensitivity” among the faithful, many of whom have “family and friends affected by the war”. The parish alone is the “centre” of activities, with numerous pastoral challenges.
The cardinal who recently left his post in Damascus reflects with AsiaNews on his long service in the country amid the suffering of children and the faces of friends who have disappeared. A nation ‘destroyed and humiliated’ that must find the basis for rebuilding its future in the ‘ecumenism of suffering’. The few remaining Christians have the task of ‘being the glue’. Advice for the next generation of Vatican diplomats: ‘Live with the people, learn to adapt to reality’.
Indonesia's most important moderate Islamic movement celebrated its centenary. President Prabowo Subianto was present at the event. Nahdlatul Ulama remains committed to peace and interfaith coexistence in the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, built and founded on the principles of compassion and brotherhood.
In a statement released at the end of its assembly in Bengaluru, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) expressed concern over rising inequality, polarisation, and "anxiety about identity and belonging." The bishops reiterated their trust in the Indian constitution, urging Christians to bear “mature, hopeful, and credible public witness”. The CBCI added that, “Instead of being silenced or withdrawing from our mission,” Christians should be “inspiring hope and promoting unity”.
Amidst general silence, the cradle of Christianity is being emptied of its Christian population. Communities are now ultra-minorities. Vincent Gelot, representative in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan for the NGO, is launching a campaign to root the faithful in the land of their ancestors. Their disappearance is also a loss for the West and for the confessional mosaic of which they are a part.
The latest settler attacks in Palestinian areas include uprooted olive groves, torched cars, insults sprayed on the walls of houses, and attacks on students. “Attention only comes when there is a serious attack or a tragic event!” Father Bashar laments. However, “the situation is difficult for us every day.” Lebanon accuses Israel of spraying toxic substances on fields and farmland in its southern villages.
The agreement between Damascus and Kurdish militias is not enough to stem the violence in the country. 21-year-old Eliah Simon Tekla shot dead in his car parked in front of his home. Since Assad's fall, over 70 Christians have been killed for their faith. Christian minister: ‘I see people's suffering... and I feel responsible for their pain’.
In the latest instalment of AsiaNews' reportage from the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, the testimony of the priest from Goa, a friendly face and memory of the local Christian community. He records every celebration and his intentions in a diary: to date, he has administered almost 8,200 baptisms and 750 marriages. Faith stronger than difficulties and critical factors. His desire? ‘A holy life and to continue in prayer.’
Prayers, thanksgiving and a traditional kethoprak performance marked the celebrations for the archbishop's half-century of priesthood. A tribute to local culture and a profound reflection on the mission of a pastor. The Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs was also present, along with hundreds of faithful.
The extremists brought their livestock and destroyed the crops near a house, then threw stones at it. After residents tried to defend themselves, Israeli soldiers arrested them, protecting the attackers. In 2025 settlers' violence rose considerably. A new Jewish settlement was recently inaugurated near Beit Sahour.
Tomorrow, Cardinal Parolin and Bishop Berardi will lead the ceremony to elevate the historic place of worship in Al Ahmadi. In its latest report on the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, AsiaNews presents the day of celebration local Catholics enjoyed. For the parish priest, Father Fernandes, it is a point of reference in daily life, pastoral care, and spirituality. Challenges and critical issues face the local Church.
The 2026 World Watch List has been published. The number of countries suffering “extreme" level of oppression is up from 13 to 15 with nine in Asia and the Middle East. North Korea tops the list for 24 years. In Syria, the situation has worsened since Assad fled. State surveillance in China, anti-conversion laws in India, and violence in Myanmar are a source of great concern.
On Tuesday, the authorities began cracking down on the leaders of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, an underground Evangelical community founded by Rev Wang Yi, who has been in prison since 2018. In October, the Zion Church suffered the same fate.
For Cardinal Mathieu, the end of the twelve-day war “has not dispelled the spectre of renewed hostilities. The question, according to the cardinal, is not 'if, but when”. In anticipation of World Peace Day, peace remains an “ideal and goal” also in relation to the “Jewish and Arab/Persian equivalents”. And may it be real “in hearts, in communities and in the world”.
This is the alarm raised by activists from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (Bhbcuc). At least 73 incidents triggered by accusations of religious offence. In addition to killings, there have been murders, rapes, arson attacks on places of worship, misappropriation of land and forced displacement. Ahead of the vote, the student party is allying itself with Islamic radicals.
For a million Christians from the Philippines, India, and other countries, the "miracle of the Internet" now allows them to discreetly experience the celebrations and rites of their tradition in their own homes. In the fourth instalment of the AsiaNews report, we look at the people who celebrate in the "Church of the Catacombs" in the kingdom where no faith other than Sunni Islam is permitted. Presence and participation are, little by little, overcoming fear and mistrust.
In a statement, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India slammed the “alarming” escalation of attacks and violence on the eve of the holiday. In one incident, a visually-impaired woman was insulted and harassed. In Kerala, a 24-year-old man linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was arrested for attacking children singing Christmas carols.
Despite the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, the conflict continues on the southern border. Economic and human interdependence in the region is such that when one village suffers, everyone suffers. Garlands and nativity scenes timidly decorate the deserted alleys. The Christmas market at the Sacred Hearts School. ‘For us, it means telling the world that we are here for life.’
Controversy over a circular from the Department of Religious Affairs, which went viral on social media, stating that the decorations are reminiscent of a Christian holiday. The holiday is a religious, not a cultural, event and raises ‘issues related to faith’. But experts and officials say such a measure violates the spirit of tolerance and openness in the country.
In the third instalment of AsiaNews’ report from the Gulf, Monsignor Bernardi reflects on the richness each person brings to the celebrations of Catholic communities composed of people from many different backgrounds. There are numerous challenges: from internal disputes among the Syro-Malabars to the need for formation that prevents faith from slipping into mere devotionalism. Local and universal jubilees are experienced with “dynamism and creativity”.
The regime has ordered churches in the northern state, home to a large Christian community, to celebrate Christmas Mass by 20 December. Any public event related to the holiday is prohibited on the 25th. Officials justify the measure citing logistical difficulties. Anger and frustration are widespread among the faithful. “They oppress us with weapons, and now they try to oppress our spirit,” said one.
Faced with growing hostility promoted by nationalist groups through anti-conversion laws and their intimidation against Christmas celebrations, former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju has issued an invitation to all non-Christians in India: ‘The only correct policy is one that keeps us united. Let us pay tribute on this feast day to the contribution of Christians to our country.’
Second installment of AsiaNews' reportage in the Gulf countries. From the tourism boom to shows, from sports to entertainment, Saudi Arabia is undergoing a phase of profound transformation. In a delicate balance between tradition and modernity, the new generations are “key” to interpreting the development impressed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the signs of changing times.
