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”.
The Dalit prelate, archbishop of Hyderabad, chosen by Pope Francis in 2022 as cardinal, has been elected to lead the CBCI, the collegial body that brings together the dioceses of the Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara rites. Monsignor Chandra Nayak tells AsiaNews: ‘Chosen for his merits: a message from the bishops to the whole of Indian society’. During the Assembly, the new translation of the missal into Konkani, the local language of Goa, was also presented.
In Cuttack’s Indoor stadium, a large interfaith gathering brought together representatives of the Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, and Christian traditions to join in a call for “universal brotherhood”. For Archbishop John Barwa, “when faith communities stand together for truth, compassion, and the protection of human dignity, they become a transformative force for good.”
Overturning a previous ruling that prohibited retroactive environmental permits, the Supreme Court has opened the door to projects already underway without prior permits, weakening legal protection of territories and the precautionary principle. Environmental movements are concerned at a time when India is announcing ambitious plans for the manufacturing industry.
The state government wants to address an inequality affecting women living in convents, monasteries, and ashrams who lack independent income. The decision is also linked to the case of Sister Ranit, a victim of violence, but it comes on the eve of state elections and will need to be monitored for implementation. Sister Nirmalini, president of the Conference of Religious Women of India, hopes that “this is the beginning for other states to follow”.
One of India's highest honours was bestowed upon the Mumbai neonatologist who drastically cut infant mortality. Founder of India's first milk bank, she also put her work in the service of women in the city slums. Many times, “I have felt God holding my hands,” she said, and “‘This is what you have to do’.”
During a meeting yesterday in Palam between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to greater cooperation with future closer partnerships in business, energy, and space. The game of global alliances plays out in the background, with Israel and the Abraham Accords casting their shadow.
Interior Minister Amit Shah touts data on the increase in drug seizures. But the number of consumers has also grown, including among the very young: it is estimated that over 25% of minors use drugs. The issue of chemicals produced in India and destined for laboratories producing methamphetamine in Myanmar, but also in Central America and Africa
In the local vote, contrary to the general trend, Karen D'Mello earned the trust of voters, defeating the BJP and Shiv Shena in her district. Many Muslims and Hindus also voted for her. “My Faith strengthens and enlightens me,” she said, making her sensitive to the needs of others and strengthens her commitment to the poor.
A tragic case of isolation and indifference in Uttar Pradesh becomes a national issue. Boy cares for 52-year-old mother and, after her death, accompanies her to a post-mortem facility. After his father died of HIV/AIDS, and his mother contracted tuberculosis, the community abandoned them. The boy, who dropped out of school to care for his mother, fears being killed by relatives over his land.
The Major Archbishop announces a “Year for strengthening the community” in a post-synodal circular. He invites the faithful to contribute financially to the future of the communities and public life by creating job opportunities. Fr Olikkarott: ‘The decline in families is alarming: we encourage young people to stay and have children’.
A video that went viral has reignited the spotlight on the violence of Hindu nationalists who, in the name of protecting “sacred animals”, actually target people from marginalised communities. This highlights the contradiction of a country like India, which is one of the world's largest exporters of beef.
The American Catholic activist founded Roots of Peace, a humanitarian organisation that turns landmine fields into agricultural initiatives. In India for the ordination of her friend, Bishop Stephen Fernandes, she met with students from Saint Stephen High School for the Deaf and Aphasic and symbolically planted a white rose bush with them. For her, “we can break the silence and inspire transformative change”.
A reflection by the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Mumbai on the growing contrast between images of the Indian prime minister in churches at Christmas and his silence on attacks against these same places by people ideologically close to him. ‘Calling violence an act of violence is not an act of enmity: it is a gesture of hope.’
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.
The award, which recognises individuals in Mumbai who carry on the spirit of the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, was given to a woman who, starting with the wounded of the Arab Spring in Egypt, created an NGO and a hospital that cares for burn victims throughout the Middle East. ‘Mother Teresa taught us that service is not measured by greatness but by sincerity.’
The Thurumbar, a caste providing laundry services who are discriminated even by Dalits, can send their children to study at the Life Empowerment Center in Acharapakkam. Thanks to the latter’s foundress Juliyes, who grew up among this marginalised group, solidarity is also extended to the Irula, an equally poor tribal community.
The Indian government has approved the Shanti Bill: a reform set to change the nuclear sector, which has remained under public control for decades. New Delhi is betting on private capital, technology and new reactors to strengthen energy security and green transition. The goal is 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047 (compared to 8 today).
Leo XIV authorised the promulgation of the decree on the heroic virtues of the Syro-Malabar priest who lived between 1888 and 1949. A great intellectual, he was always attentive to the needs of the poor and the sick. For them, he founded the "Mount of Charity" and the Medical Sisters of Saint Joseph, who continue to care for everyone in India, without distinction of religion or caste.
Catholic charities are working to prevent child marriage through development and the fight against superstitions, helping everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. “We focus on community development, human dignity, and empowerment,” said Father Birendra Tete.
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.’
The Hindu nationalist candidate defeated the left-wing candidate in local elections in a town at the centre of a dispute over ownership of 400 acres of land pitting the Waqf against some 500 Christian families. Modi's party also won in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, for the first time, although Indian National Congress came out on top in the southern Indian state.
In India, prejudices about skin color, closely linked to the caste system, are still widespread. But a couple from Madhya Pradesh who ended up in the crosshairs of haters after posting pictures of their wedding is offering an original response, starting with their own story. It is a countercultural message in a society where everything from Ayurveda to Bollywood films still suggests that skin must be light.
SRM University in Chennai fired Lora Santhakumar for posting comments on her WhatsApp status critical of Operation Sindoor. First suspended on 8 May, she was fired a few days ago. Over this period, she was the target of online attacks and death threats from far-right groups.
The testimony given in Milan on the feast of St Francis Xavier by a deacon from Telangana who is preparing to become a PIME missionary: “The Koya forest was my first seminary: there I learned that mission is not about grand speeches or extraordinary works, but about constant presence and listening to people. I don't know where I'm going, but I know who I'm going with: with Jesus alongside those who are poor, alone and forgotten”.
The Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati spoke to the Asian Missionary Congress. While nationalists see Christians as foreigners, “we defend the values of our people”. As missionaries, too little is being done, but bringing Jesus can heal “negative memories” and “build more relationships”.
Leo XIV authorised the promulgation of the decree recognising the Australian missionary as venerable, the first step toward beatification. In 1920, she obtained a special papal dispensation to overcome a canonical rule that prevented nuns from practising medicine. She also founded the Catholic Health Association of India in 1947, which now serves 21 million patients annually in its facilities.
Fr Susai Jesu, a missionary with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, was called by Leo XIV to lead the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas. Since 2007, he has lived his ministry among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, participating in the journey of reconciliation that culminated in the meeting with Pope Francis at Lac Ste. Anne in 2022. “God chooses the weak to make them strong in faith and love,” said the new prelate in his first comment after he learnt of his appointment.
In communion with Churches around the world, the event was promoted by the Norbertine-run centre that offers dignity and new opportunities through self-help groups to women living in disadvantaged areas. For its director, Father Moses, “Empowerment is not a gift; it is the fundamental right to agency, and our role is simply to clear the path.”
In India's federal capital – which has topped the list of the world's most polluted cities for over ten years – the first silver iodide rockets have been launched with the aim of causing artificial rain. The Centre for Atmospheric Sciences is sceptical, calling it an ‘improper application of science’ for political propaganda purposes.
