India

by Nirmala Carvalho | INDIA

The great pontiff who visited India twice is remembered with a Mass in the Cathedral of the Holy Name of Jesus. “Pope John Paul II was a prophet, he showed a far-sighted vision,” Card Gracias told AsiaNews. He was “a popular figure for the Hindu community” as well since “his message recalled the urgency to protect personal integrity, and the commitment to charity and love towards all.” He gave “new impetus to evangelise.”

by Nirmala Carvalho

In a letter circulated in the churches, the complaint about the continuous opening of bars and pubs to make money from the proceeds guaranteed to the State with the licences. The Catholicos of the Orthodox Church also speaks of an ‘explosive situation’. About 10% of the population claims to be a consumer of alcohol.

| 22/03/2025
| INDIA

While military imports fell by 9 per cent thanks to the growth of local industry, India remains the second buyer after Ukraine with Russia as its main supplier. Now it is increasingly looking to France, Israel and the United States, and building up domestic capacity.

| 21/03/2025
| INDIAN MANDALA
by Nirmala Carvalho

With a Mass presided over by Card. Poola, the Holy Year and the long history of the complex, whose first church dates back to 1820, were celebrated. The commitment of the PIME missionaries was remembered. New areas were inaugurated, including a parish centre and the Adoration Chapel.

| 19/03/2025
| INDIA
by Nirmala Carvalho

More than 50 people have been arrested in the wake of communal violence that included several vehicles and houses vandalised. The authorities imposed a curfew imposed in some areas of the city in Maharashtra. Hindu nationalists want to remove the tomb of a Mughal ruler. Rumours that a copy of the Qur'an was burnt sparked a violent a reaction by Muslims. Archbishop Gonsalves urges respect for everyone, and warns against spreading “rumours and false news.”

| 18/03/2025
| INDIA
by Melani Manel Perera

About 10,000 people visit Kachchatheevu to honour Saint Anthony in celebrations promoted by the Diocese of Jaffna and led by the bishop of Sivagangai. The latter calls on both parties “to work together to find a lasting solution to the conflict in the sea.”

| 17/03/2025
| SRI LANKA - INDIA
by Purushottam Nayak

In Siunaguda, Odisha, a Christian family was denied the right to bury a loved one until they agreed to convert him back to Hinduism. The incident, which is part of a broader pattern of religious discrimination, has raised concern among activists and religious leaders, who slam increasing pressure on Christian minorities in India's states with large tribal communities.

| 15/03/2025
| INDIA
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“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”