The Good Shepherd Sisters stated that civilians are suffering most as violence escalates in Iran and the Middle East. According to the congregation, more than 500,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon in just over a week. Families are arriving at shelters with no belongings and urgently require food, medical supplies, and housing. The sisters are providing psychosocial support through the Saint-Antoine Dispensary in Beirut. They appealed to global leaders to establish ceasefire zones and choose diplomacy to prevent further conflict escalation.
Father Pierre al-Rai, a Maronite priest in Qlayaa, Lebanon, died after Israeli tank shelling struck his home. The National News Agency reported the house was hit twice by a Merkava tank. Neighbors and aid workers rushed to help, but the priest succumbed to his injuries. Qlayaa, a Christian village near the border, had previously avoided the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The priest had advocated for remaining in the town peacefully. Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow for the victims, specifically naming Father al-Rai in his remarks.
Bishop Aldo Berardi of the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia confirmed that churches in Bahrain will remain open to provide spiritual support for the faithful during escalating regional hostilities. This decision follows reports of explosions and warning sirens in the Gulf, attributed to Iranian bomb and drone strikes against several states, including Bahrain. On March 8, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa met with Christian leaders at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia to assess the Catholic community's well-being. The prince conveyed greetings from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and reaffirmed the kingdom's commitment to religious coexistence, instructing that churches remain accessible for pastoral needs during the crisis.
Preparations for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 have moved into the implementation phase following a global coordination meeting on March 5. Held online from Rome, the event gathered approximately 245 youth ministry leaders and representatives from bishops’ conferences to align efforts for the upcoming Catholic gathering in South Korea. Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, who leads the local organizing committee, outlined the event's vision centered on encounter and mission. Organizers also announced that participation costs will increase by roughly 10 percent due to inflation, while detailing future meetings and pilgrim packages. The next international preparatory session is scheduled for September in Korea.
The Catholic Church in Singapore is preparing to welcome approximately 1,250 new Catholics this Easter, marking the largest cohort of converts in the archdiocese in ten years, according to the Office for Catechesis. Rites of Election were held in late February and early March at churches in Singapore, including locations in Ang Mo Kio and on Highland Road. The participants, comprising catechumens and candidates, will receive baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist during the Easter Vigil. Fr. Terence Kesavan attributed the increase to evangelization efforts, while Cardinal William Goh encouraged deeper engagement with Scripture. This event highlights significant growth in local Catholic membership.
The Salesian order has opened its facilities in Lebanon to shelter civilians fleeing renewed violence in the Middle East. Fr. Simon Zakerian, the provincial superior, stated that schools in the region closed to protect children as tensions escalated. The Don Bosco center in Jbeil is currently housing approximately 120 people from thirty families, including vulnerable elderly and children. Staff and volunteers are providing food, water, and bedding to those who endured long journeys from bombed areas. The organization is coordinating with Madrid to mobilize aid while urging an end to the conflict. Pope Leo XIV also called for dialogue to stop the violence.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Beth Chobanova on UnsplashPersecuted church
Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in Geneva, stated on March 3 that Christians are the world’s most persecuted religious community. Speaking at an event titled “Standing with Persecuted Christians,” he reported that nearly 400 million Christians face violence or persecution globally. He noted that approximately 5,000 Christians were killed for their faith in 2025, averaging 13 deaths per day. The Archbishop emphasized that states have a duty to protect freedom of religion and address impunity. He also highlighted subtle forms of discrimination in Europe, citing over 2,200 violent incidents recorded in 2024 by the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians.
Caritas Indonesia launched the Compassion Homes Movement on February 26 in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. The initiative aims to provide permanent housing for families displaced by catastrophic floods in November 2025. During the ceremony, two completed homes were handed over to beneficiaries in Andam Dewi Subdistrict. The project, coordinated by Caritas Indonesia and implemented by the Diocese of Sibolga, follows a memorandum of understanding with local government officials. Each Type 36 house costs approximately IDR 60 million and is designed to be earthquake-resistant. The program seeks to restore dignity and safety for thousands of survivors who have lived in temporary shelters for months.
The Missionaries of the Holy Family celebrated their centennial in Indonesia on February 24 at St. Paul Kleco Parish Church in Solo City, Central Java. Nearly 1,500 attendees gathered for a thanksgiving Mass presided over by Bishop Aloysius Sutrisnaatmaka. The congregation arrived in Kalimantan in 1926 and has since expanded its ministry across the archdioceses of Semarang and Jakarta. Leaders emphasized a renewed focus on families and youth, citing the theme of walking together in hope. The event highlighted the group's historical resilience and its commitment to continuing missionary work in its second century.
Six high school graduates from marginalized communities in Thailand recently completed their studies at Mala Sawan Pitthaya School. The students, including members of Hmong and Karen ethnic groups, attended Baan Nazareth, a care center run by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baan Na. Located northeast of Bangkok, the facility provides housing, education, and financial training to help youth break cycles of poverty. Superior Sr. Nongnapas Suwanajai stated that the program aims to give these young people dignity and a place in society. Graduates like Jiranai and Jirawan credited the Sisters with providing the support needed to pursue higher education and personal growth.
Lawmakers in Pakistan’s Punjab province will debate the Protection of Minority Community Properties Bill 2026. The draft legislation, prepared by the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs, aims to safeguard churches, temples, schools, and land owned by religious minorities. A special committee would inventory these assets and monitor illegal occupations. A senior church leader told Fides News Agency that the bill addresses grievances regarding properties nationalized in 1972 or illegally occupied. The proposal has majority support, increasing its likelihood of passage to protect minority rights in the province.
Sri Lankan authorities arrested former State Intelligence Service chief Major General Suresh Sallay in Colombo on Wednesday. He is accused of conspiracy and aiding the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people. Police stated he maintained contact with attackers. The Catholic Church welcomed the move, with spokesman Father Cyril Gamini Fernando demanding full truth and justice. This arrest occurs days before the seventh anniversary of the attacks. Investigations have previously faulted officials for ignoring warnings. The United Nations has also urged the publication of withheld inquiry reports to ensure accountability for the coordinated attacks on churches and hotels.
A senior church leader in the Gulf region stated that the temporary closure of a major interfaith center is a necessary safety measure amid escalating regional warfare. The conflict, involving strikes in neighboring countries and attacks in the Gulf, has prompted high alerts in nearby nations. The bishop emphasized that the closure does not symbolize broader escalation but remains a vital symbol of interfaith dialogue. He noted that church services continue under civil authority guidelines, while urging unity and prayer among the faithful as the region faces significant uncertainty and casualties.
From February 20 to 22, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya Buddhist University’s Lamphun Campus in Thailand hosted a conference with Focolare Thailand titled “Dialogue as a Way of Life.” Over 100 participants, including monks, priests, and students, gathered to promote peace amid global tensions. The event featured the signing of a Covenant of Cooperation pledging to advance love-inspired dialogue and collaborative efforts for global peace. Speakers highlighted shared spiritual values and experiences from Loppiano, Italy. The conference concluded with a merit-making ceremony at Wat Rampoeng Tapotaram, demonstrating a commitment to unity between Buddhist and Christian traditions in the region.
The Archdiocese of Seoul opened the Joseph Neighbor Love Center on February 26 in Dongja-dong, Yongsan District, South Korea. Funded by a donation from the late Lim Young-ae, the facility supports home-based medical care for severely ill and homebound residents. Bishop Paul Kyoo-boi Koo presided over the blessing ceremony. The center coordinates five home-visit teams and links medical services with social assistance. It aims to serve medically underserved areas including Donui-dong, Yakheon-dong, and Huam-dong. The foundation plans to expand services for young homeless individuals and train social prescription coordinators to address physical and mental health needs in isolated communities.
Flash floods and landslides in late November 2025 severely damaged the Diocese of Sibolga in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Nearly two months later, thick mud still covers schools, dormitories, and clinics in areas like Aek Tolang. Frater Marius CMM stated that the Indonesian National Armed Forces were essential for cleaning facilities, as roads remain impassable. Affected sites include Melania Elementary–Junior High School and St. Francis Senior High School, which were submerged under nearly two meters of water and mud. The disaster continues to hinder access and recovery for local communities and religious institutions.
Cardinal Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo issued a formal apology for sexual abuse committed by clergy, acknowledging deep harm to victims and institutional shortcomings. In a February 21 statement, he expressed remorse ahead of Japan’s 2026 Day of Prayer and Penance for Victims of Sexual Abuse. Kikuchi admitted that structural divisions between dioceses and religious orders hinder effective responses. Bishop Shinzo Moriyama of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan also apologized, emphasizing transparency and accountability. The Church plans to collaborate with external experts and the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors to revise guidelines and improve safeguarding systems across Japan.
A leader of an international Christian advocacy organization warned that escalating unrest in Iran increases dangers for Muslim converts to Christianity. He cited varying reports of protest deaths and a heightened military presence. According to this leader, these converts face arbitrary arrest, imprisonment, and family separation. The organization stated it is coordinating with partners to prepare emergency relief and pastoral care for persecuted believers. The leader described the Church in Iran as one of the fastest-growing globally and urged supporters to advocate for those suffering in silence. Christians comprise less than one percent of Iran's population.
At the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, LiCAS News reporter Ciriaco Santiago III observed a stark contrast during the confirmation of charges proceedings against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Morning sessions featured supporters, many overseas Filipino workers, who viewed the drug war as a symbol of order. Afternoon sessions included grieving families of victims who described personal losses. The reporter notes that the poor are often both victims and defenders in this political conflict. The ICC is currently assessing legal thresholds for crimes against humanity, while the article questions the moral cost of the conflict for ordinary Filipinos. (Source: LiCAS News)
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