The Voice of the suffering in Asia

Devotion to the Catholic Church is a distinguishing feature of East Timorese culture. Pope Francis will be the second Pope to visit the country and the first since independence.  East Timor is one of the world’s youngest countries, having obtained independence in 2002. It is also the Asian country with the highest proportion of Catholics, at close to 99 percent of the population, and one of only two majority Catholic countries in Asia, alongside the Philippines.  Speaking to Aid to ...

The tragedy that struck the Masih family has far-reaching consequences, disrupting the lives of many in Mujahid Colony. Families are displaced; businesses have closed; and jobs have been lost, creating a ripple effect of hardship and despair.

The NJCP, a long-time project partner of ACN, also provided recommendations to the Pakistani authorities, aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future, improving law enforcement protocols, and fostering interfaith dialogue.

Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, said that Christians and other beleaguered minorities will never feel safe in their country unless false allegations of blasphemy are banned.

"We lost a child from Mother Teresa's orphanage. So, yes, it is painful, but at the same time, we know they are with God. They are present in Heaven to intercede for peace, justice, and forgiveness of sins, for all of us and for those engaged in war.”

Although ten members of the family were able to escape, Masih was critically injured before the police arrived and removed him from the mob. He was taken to the hospital for urgent medical care.