| VATICAN – SPAIN

In the capital, where he began his long apostolic journey to Spain, Leo XIV urged “everyone to set aside divisive and polarizing narratives" and appreciate complexity rather than “identity-based approaches that [. . .] fill the world with ‘ghosts’.” He cited the examples of Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Avila, as well as the fruitful dialogue that took place at the time of the Islamic presence in Andalusia. He stressed that “religious freedom” is essential to reach out to others.

 


Stories of children employed at checkpoints or in police work are emerging from various parts of the country. The regime fuels war propaganda by displaying weapons and equipment in schools. Some see this as a sign of the Islamic Republic's "economic collapse", while others view it as an attempt by the regime to pass on its ideology and propaganda to future generations.

| 05/06/2026
| IRAN

Myanmar’s newly elected president strikes deals on rare earths and infrastructure. But while the two governments negotiated in New Delhi, their armed forces exchanged artillery fire on the border, where weapons and fighters can easily cross. In Manipur, three Kuki civilians were killed this morning in yet another ambush, while more and more players are taking part in the violence.

| 05/06/2026
| INDIAN MANDALA

After years of growth, the number of 18-year-olds taking next Sunday’s National College Entrance Examination is down by more than 3 per cent this year, a sign that an academic education is no longer seen as key to good employment opportunities, even in China. Meanwhile, enrolment in vocational schools is up, encouraged by the government.

| 05/06/2026
| CHINA
by Melani Manel Perera

The reopened investigations into the attacks on churches and hotels that killed over 270 people have now directly implicated the former president, who returned to power just a few months after the bombings. The former head of intelligence has been in prison for three months on charges of having ‘used’ Islamists to upset the country’s political balance.

| 05/06/2026
| SRI LANKA
by Sumon Corraya

The Holy See created the diocese on 25 March in a remote and impoverished part of northern Bangladesh that is marked by cultural and religious diversity. PIME missionaries were the first to bring the Gospel to the area. Today, its first shepherd was ordained in Naogaon, at a ceremony attended by thousands of faithful. The new bishop told AsiaNews that he wants to promote prosperity and “interreligious harmony”.

| 05/06/2026
| BANGLADESH
by Mathias Hariyadi

Dadan Hindayana, who headed the agency for two years, has been jailed, along with Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung. The prosecution cites “solid” evidence supporting the charges, whilst the investigation continues. The agency’s new head announces a radical change: the target of reaching 83 million people is no longer a priority

| 05/06/2026
| INDONESIA
Editor's choices
 
by Gregory
Stored gelignite reportedly caused a massive explosion that killed at least 55 people in a village in Shan State. The catastrophe has put the spotlight on the TNLA, a controversial militia that struck a deal with China. Meanwhile, according to the United ...
| 02/06/2026
| MYANMAR
 
by Chow Hang-tung *
In a message written from prison, the lawyer on trial alongside Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho for the 4 June vigils in Victoria Park speaks of the importance of resilience in remembering the 1989 massacre in Beijing, whilst the Hong Kong authorities cover ...
| 01/06/2026
| HONG KONG - CHINA
 
by Shafique Khokhar
In his encyclical, Pope Leo XIV singles out Pakistan's first female prime minister as a public figure who promoted the greatness of humanity. A Muslim, she was assassinated in 2007 in Rawalpindi. Pakistani Catholics expressed gratitude towards her ...
| 28/05/2026
| PAKISTAN – VATICAN
 
by Alessandra De Poli
In May 1956, the hospital near the factory reported an “unknown illness” that was later found to be caused by mercury discharges from the Chisso Corporation. Decades later, the wound remains open in this Japanese city. PIME missionary Fr. ...
| 27/05/2026
| JAPAN
 
by A priest in China
A priest living in the People's Republic of China writes a letter on the "administrative regulations" that prevent people under 18 from participating in religious activities. China’s constitution protects religious freedom, with no reference ...
| 26/05/2026
| CHINA
 
by Giorgio Bernardelli
Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical letter, presented today at the Vatican, represents a comprehensive reflection on the "new paradigm" that technological transformations are bringing to today's world. For the pontiff, it is not enough to dictate ...
| 25/05/2026
| VATICAN
 
The unexpected success of "Dear You”, a film produced on a small budget and in a local dialect, is reviving interest in China about the important role played by letter writing, which for over a century migrants used to send money and news to their ...
| 22/05/2026
| CHINA
 
by Andrea Ferrario
Data on the performance in the first quarter of 2026 confirm the difficulties of China’s southern coastal province, which was the laboratory of the reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping but is now suffering from the downsizing of Hong Kong and the ...
| 21/05/2026
| RED LANTERNS
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”