Hidden for two centuries and a half, Kakure Kirishitan, the persecuted Catholics, re-emerged in 1865. Bitter Winter offers the first English translation of Pope Francis’ document celebrating them in 2015.
Catholic Church
The Vatican-China Agreement and Pope Francis: To Renew or Not To Renew?
The Pope is widely criticized for his statement that “the Agreement is good and I hope it can be renewed.” Not renewing it may be a problem, too.
Abe Shinzo: The Day He Offered a Magic Mirror to the Pope
While we continue assessing the historical significance and the legacy of the assassinated Japanese Prime Minister, his visit to the Vatican in 2014 is worth remembering.
James Su Zhimin: Celebrating the Birthday of a Catholic Bishop Who May Be Dead
The popular Bishop of Baoding would have turned 90 earlier this month—but nobody has seen him since 2003.
Bishop Cui Tai Still Detained: Will the Vatican Insist on His Release?
Only by making his liberation a pre-condition for renewing the agreement with China will the Holy See be able to end the prelate’s calvary.
Jacob Pius: Chinese “Traditionalist Catholic” Remains in Jail
A young Catholic with a sense of humor proposed to establish a traditional Catholic monarchy in a part of China. The CCP was not amused. He was arrested in January 2021 and is still in prison.
Nicaragua: Persecution of Bishops and Silencing of Catholic Media
Bishop of Matagalpa, in “permanent fasting,” says the regime wants a “dumb church”—and is harassed by the police.
Three Austrian Churches Vandalized in Two Weeks
The incidents show that the epidemic of vandalic attacks against places of worship is now extending to Austria
Cardinal Zen, Others Arrested in Hong Kong, Then Released on Bail
The 90-year-old prelate has been detained together with an academic, a barrister, and a singer and LGBT activist with the pretext of his past activity in the now-defunct 612 Fund.
Catholic Bishop Joseph Zhang Weizhu: Still Detained Despite Reported Vatican Intervention
The bishop of Xinxiang, in Henan province, refuses to join the Patriotic Catholic Church and was arrested in a spectacular raid in 2021.