by Paolo Affatato
Vientiane – The Catholic Church in Laos is undergoing a delicate but promising transition, marked by the “handover” between the generation of Pastors who guided the ecclesial community through its most difficult decades and a new generation of bishops, priests, and laity called to carry on their legacy. This is what Spanish Jesuit Father Enrique Figaredo Alvargonzález SJ, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang Cambodia and President of the Episcopal Conference of Laos and Cambodia , told Fides. The Catholic community in Laos numbers around 50,000 faithful – less than 1% of the national population – distributed across four Apostolic Vicariates. The local Church is served by some fifty priests, three bishops, numerous catechists, and religious sisters who sustain pastoral life in communities scattered throughout remote areas.
“In Laos, we are witnessing the transition to a new generation,” Father Figaredo told Fides. “There is also a new generation of bishops and priests within the Church. The older ones, like Cardinal Louis-Marie Ling Mangkhanekhoun, can no longer fully exercise their ministry. Thus, a new chapter opens, in the sign of hope.” According to the Jesuit missionary, the previous generation—formed before the communist regime—was able to study abroad and to establish contacts and enrich their spiritual heritage through exchanges with Churches on other continents, through the contribution of missionaries. After the Pathet Lao came to power and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was proclaimed , the country closed its borders and expelled the missionaries. Today, the Church personnel are mostly local and have fewer opportunities for international formation, although some bishops have studied abroad, such as Bishop Andrew Souksavath Nouane Asa, who trained in Canada, and Bishop Anthony Adoun Hongsaphong, who lived in Switzerland.
“The new generation,” explains the president of CELAC, “doesn’t possess the same wealth of human, spiritual, pastoral, and cultural experiences that existed when the missionaries were present. However, it is precisely in this poverty of resources that great creativity emerges.” One of the most striking characteristics of the Laotian Church is the
leading role of the laity, “who assume responsibilities in parishes, community outreach, and formation in minor seminaries. Their help is fundamental.” Among the outstanding initiatives is that of Bishop Andrew Souksavath, who has sent young people to the Philippines for leadership programs. “It is a concrete example of pastoral creativity,” affirms Figaredo. However, many young people trained by the Church then emigrate to Thailand in search of work, in a context where economy depends primarily on agriculture and a growing tourism sector. Although foreign investment, especially from China, has arrived in recent years, the benefits do not always reach the local population. “There is talk of modernization, but everything remains very controlled by the government, and there is no full freedom,” the missionary points out. “Despite this, the Church manages to navigate this framework with prudence and wisdom.” Church life continues with discretion and perseverance: “Priests and bishops administer sacraments, accompany the faithful, and keep the faith alive in small communities. They must complete numerous administrative procedures with the authorities. It is demanding, but they do it with patience,” says Figaredo. What strikes him most is the serenity of the faithful: “Laotian Catholics have peace in their hearts. They live their faith joyfully despite the difficulties. They have a deep faith and remain faithful to Christ and his mission.” This vitality is also evident in the work of evangelization. Pastoral work is carried out through visits to remote villages, where Catholic communities are small. Entry into these places requires prior authorization from the authorities. “Entering the villages is not easy,” Figaredo explains. “The authorities must be informed beforehand, and officials often ask for explanations about the activities being carried out.” Even so, baptisms and conversions continue, even of entire families from animist traditions. Father Figaredo particularly recalls the commitment of Bishop Jean Khamsé Vithavong , a Catholic bishop belonging to the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who dedicated himself until the last days of his life to welcoming new baptisms and new communities into the Church. “The subsequent difficulty is the official registration of the new Catholics. The government allows membership in the Church, but the recognition procedures are lengthy and complex.” A great sign of hope for the Church in Laos was the priestly ordination, in April 2026, of the first two Laotian Redemptorist religious, Father Peter Gnantina Phiakeo and Father Philip Nouy Kamhou: “This inspires confidence in the future because vocations to the priesthood are emerging and reaching their fullness.”
The two new priests completed their formation in Laos, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia, thanks to the support of the Redemptorist Province of Thailand. Thus, “they bring international experience and formation that can help the local Church face future challenges,” the Jesuit emphasizes. An important sign of encouragement also came recently from the meeting with Pope Leo XIV during the ad limina apostolorum visit of the bishops of Laos and Cambodia: “The Laotian bishops returned very happy. They were able to share with the Pope the reality of Laos, which is often difficult to express openly due to its complexity.” Looking ahead, the president of CELAC sees positive signs both in the Church and in society. “The Church in Laos continues to advance patiently and in small steps. Things are moving, and time is on our side.” A new generation is emerging that is increasingly active in ecclesial and public life.” Also on the political front, he observes that some young members of the new Parliament seem to be moving toward greater openness to the outside world and a different vision from that of the past. “We have hope for a general renewal driven by the new generations.” Special attention is also being paid to young people. A delegation of young people from Laos and Cambodia will participate in World Youth Day in South Korea in 2027. While the administrative procedures are simpler for young Cambodians, Laotians face greater difficulties related to visas and travel costs. “Thanks to the support of the Korean communities and those in other Asian countries, a small group of young Laotians will be able to attend,” Figaredo notes. “For those who remain in the country, we will celebrate WYD locally.” In the daily life of the Laotian Church, the missionary concludes, the value of Christian life is increasingly evident. “The faithful don’t seek or do extraordinary things. They want to be able to participate in Mass, follow the catechism, and live in community. The simple and essential things are what truly matter. The Church in Laos teaches us and brings us back to the essence of Christian life.” On this path, Laos and Cambodia continue to strengthen their ecclesial ties. “There is a climate of fraternity and cooperation between our Churches. We feel close to one another. As often as possible, we meet, spend time together, talk, and share our experiences.” It is also from this communion that the Church in Laos draws the strength to continue its journey, with confidence and hope.
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