Jerusalem – Rome – Sanad Sahelia / Nabd El-Haya – AsiaNews, the news agency affiliated with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), has selected Father Bashar Fawadleh, a priest of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Parish Priest of Christ the Redeemer (Catholic) in Taybeh, east of Ramallah, among its annual list of the 12 most influential figures shaping Asia in 2025.
These individuals are recognized for representing key issues in politics, religion, economy, and society, granting Father Fawadleh’s inclusion an exceptional international significance.
The selection constitutes global recognition of the local church’s role and Father Fawadleh’s status as a symbol of Palestinian Christian resilience. It also highlights the importance of Taybeh and the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, under the leadership of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, which serves as a bridge between the local and the global, affirming that the Palestinian Christian cause remains a core priority for the Church worldwide.
Father Fawadleh’s selection reflects his close alignment with the Vatican’s positions on religious freedom, peace, and justice, and his adherence to the vision of the universal Catholic Church. It also underscores his holistic approach, inspired by the Latin Patriarchate, which integrates spiritual, social, and diplomatic dimensions.
He appears on the list alongside prominent Asian and international figures, including Pope Francis, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines/Vatican. The list also includes influential personalities from Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, and South Korea, representing critical issues in politics, economy, religion, and society, offering a comprehensive outlook on Asia’s trends in 2025.
Serving in Taybeh since several years, formerly Spiritual guide for Christian Youth Movement in Palestine "The Homeland of Jesus Youth", Father Fawadleh has become a vocal advocate for Palestinian Christians facing migration pressures and daily challenges.
He also acts as a media and diplomatic bridge, affirming that Christian Palestine remains an integral part of the Holy Land and its enduring heritage. In one of his speeches, he said: “Good evening from Jerusalem, the city of God and of the Resurrection,” conveying a profound message of steadfastness, resilience, and hope.
Spiritually, he links the Christian faith to Palestinian identity, emphasizing that the cross and hope form the language of perseverance. Socially, he focuses on empowering Palestinian Christian youth to ensure the continuity of the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
His diplomatic and media work is reflected in participation at international conferences and engagement with embassies and diplomatic missions, providing a vivid testimony to the reality of Palestinian Christians and contributing to raising their voice on the global stage.
AsiaNews stands out as a specialized source offering in-depth coverage of the Catholic Church in Asia and the Middle East— regions often underrepresented in Western media. Diplomats, researchers, and media outlets rely on it to understand the region’s religious and political context.
Its close connection to the Vatican editorial team makes Father Fawadleh’s inclusion an opportunity to reinforce Palestinian Christian identity in the international media and religious landscape, highlighting the human dimension in Asia’s 2025 outlook, beyond just politics and economics.
Being listed by AsiaNews places Father Fawadleh among prominent Asian and international figures. Yet, this recognition is not merely personal; it sends a global message that Palestinian Christians are not a silent minority, but a vital force shaping the future of the Holy Land and Asia.
His experience in Taybeh, his approach, and his resilience have made him a symbol bridging local and global spheres, combining steadfastness with hope, reminding the world that Jerusalem is not only a city of conflict but a city of resurrection and mission.