Aotearoa

The final session of Pax Christi Aotearoa New Zealand’s Webinar Series will be held on 19 August at 7 pm NZST, featuring Rangi Davis (Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Wai, Ngāpuhi Nui Tonu) on Indigenous peace-making, which is relational, restorative, and sacred. Read more about the series.

Australia

Pax Christi Australia strongly condemns the abhorrent use of starvation as a weapon of war. The statement also affirms a clear distinction between the State of Israel as a political entity and Judaism as a faith tradition, emphasising that questioning or criticising Israeli government actions is not anti-Semitic. Read here.

Korea

Pax Christi Korea co-hosted the Assisi Catholic Peace Forum (9–11 June 2025), marking the Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope and the Canticle’s 800th anniversary. The resulting Assisi Appeal for Peace addressed AI’s impact on peace, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s message on the Church's role today.

Read more here.

Japan

On June 15, 2025, the Catholic bishops of Japan reaffirmed their strong commitment to abolishing nuclear weapons. Their statement mentions the “Global Hibakushas”, victims of nuclear testing. Although it does not mention Pope Francis, the sentence “the development, testing, production, possession and use of nuclear weapons are ethically impermissible” reflects his declarations

from 2017 and 2019.

Philippines

The Miriam College Center for Peace Education, with GNWP, led a seminar and tree-planting in Pikit, BARMM, empowering 58 participants–especially women and youth–on climate action and peacebuilding. The events raised awareness, fostered environmental stewardship, and encouraged community-driven steps for peace and sustainability through the planting of 100 hardwood trees. Read more.

Sri Lanka

Ruki Fernando writes about the life and courageous work of Fr. Chandra Fernando, a Catholic priest and human rights defender in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, who was killed 37 years ago. Fr. Chandra risked his life to protect detainees, expose atrocities, and support communities affected by war and violence. Fr. Chandra was a steadfast advocate of nonviolence and reconciliation. Read the article in the Daily Mirror.

Issue 6/2025