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On the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge's rise to power in Cambodia, the Catholic Church, although a small minority, is making progress according to long-serving missionaries in the country. The genocide that began on April 17, 1975, significantly impacted the Catholic community, with over half perishing alongside various ethnic and religious minorities.
French historian Henri Locard highlighted the escalated suffering of Catholics, stating, "the highest rate of extermination" was indeed among them. Today, they constitute about 0.2% of Cambodia's predominantly Buddhist population.
Bishop Enrique Figaredo Alvargonzález, prefect of Battambang province, has been involved in reconciliation efforts since 1988, focusing on eliminating violence and landmines. He noted the perseverance of war trauma, underscoring the importance of community healing.
Missionaries have steadily returned to Cambodia since 1990, with the Vatican establishing diplomatic ties in 1994. Still, strict entry regulations marked early efforts, requiring even renowned orders like St. Mother Teresa’s to register as NGO workers. Notable stability emerged post-Pol Pot’s death in 1998.
Father Kevin Conroy of the Diocese of Cleveland, who arrived in Cambodia in 2005, works with mental health systems, severely affected by the genocide. He emphasizes rebuilding these frameworks and addressing the needs of the mentally ill.
In a country where Buddhism is nearly the state religion, Paris Foreign Missions Society Father Will Conquer observes small church growth. He recognizes the complexity in sharing faith amidst literacy challenges, stating, "It’s easy to give a rice bag. It’s much more difficult to give faith."
The Catholic Church remains deeply engaged in inter-religious dialogue, strengthening public schools and developing strong lay leadership. Maryknoll Sister Maria Leonor Montiel, who arrived in 1997, reflected on the devastating cultural and educational erasure by the Khmer Rouge, yet acknowledges a sense of Christian hope in rebuilding.
Cambodia will soon see its first cathedral in 50 years, expected to be completed in July and consecrated in November, marking a significant milestone for the Catholic community.
