Jakarta: The Catholic Church across Asia may exist in many different cultures, languages and social conditions, but it remains united by one faith and one mission, Cardinal Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo has said during the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) Plenary Assembly in Jakarta.
Speaking to Vatican Media during the gathering, Cardinal Kikuchi reflected on the discussions taking place among more than 120 cardinals and bishops from across Asia. He said the assembly has helped Church leaders better understand each other's realities while strengthening their commitment to working together in spreading the Gospel and serving society.
Cardinal Kikuchi, who is the Archbishop of Tokyo and Secretary General of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, said the Church in Asia faces many different political, cultural and economic situations. However, he noted that one common reality is that Catholics form a minority in almost every Asian country, with the Philippines being the main exception.
He explained that the first few days of the assembly focused on prayer, sharing experiences and discussing the changing social and political landscape across the continent. Bishops presented the realities of their local Churches through short video presentations, participated in prayer and spiritual conversations led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and exchanged views on the challenges and opportunities facing the Church today.
According to Cardinal Kikuchi, these discussions have strengthened the understanding that while the Church in Asia serves people living in very different circumstances, all Catholics belong to one Body of Christ.
He said dialogue has emerged as one of the strongest priorities during the meeting. The Church, he explained, is called not only to build bridges within its own communities but also to promote dialogue with people of different cultures and religions, support the poor and vulnerable, and respond to environmental challenges affecting many parts of Asia.
Another major issue highlighted during the assembly has been migration. Cardinal Kikuchi said many Asian countries are experiencing significant migration, making pastoral care for migrants an urgent responsibility for the Church. He also stressed that protecting human dignity remains a common concern shared by bishops across the continent.
Although each country has its own unique problems and social conditions, he said Church communities can achieve much more by understanding each other's realities and working together. He added that many bishops are seeking greater recognition of the challenges they face and value the spiritual support they receive from fellow Church leaders across Asia.
Reflecting on the situation in Japan, Cardinal Kikuchi said the country's Catholic population is much larger than official Church records suggest. While official statistics list fewer than half a million Catholics, he estimated that at least another half a million migrant Catholics now live in Japan.
He pointed to the growing presence of Filipino and Vietnamese Catholics, particularly in the Archdiocese of Tokyo. Around 40,000 Filipinos live within the archdiocese, while many young Vietnamese workers who have moved to Japan on temporary visas are also active members of the Catholic community.
He described migrant Catholics as a valuable gift to the Church in Japan. Their presence has made local parishes more diverse and has strengthened the Church's witness in a society where exclusion and nationalism can sometimes create divisions.
Cardinal Kikuchi said the Church can demonstrate the values of the Gospel by becoming a living example of unity in diversity, where people from different countries pray, worship and serve together. He added that the spirit of synodality, which encourages listening, participation and shared responsibility, is central to this mission.
The cardinal also spoke about Pope Leo XIV's newly released encyclical Magnifica humanitas, which addresses the opportunities and ethical challenges created by artificial intelligence.
He said the document has already received attention from Japanese media, reflecting the country's strong interest in technological innovation and artificial intelligence. Since Pope Leo XIV's election, his messages and activities have been widely reported in Japan.
However, Cardinal Kikuchi noted that the official Japanese translation of the encyclical is still being prepared. He said Church leaders are waiting for the translation before expecting a wider public discussion on the Pope's reflections and the document's impact within Japanese society.
The FABC Plenary Assembly continues in Jakarta, bringing together Church leaders from across Asia to strengthen cooperation, deepen faith and identify common responses to the social, pastoral and humanitarian challenges facing the continent. Through prayer, dialogue and mutual support, participants hope to strengthen the Church's mission while respecting the rich diversity that characterises Asia.