Vatican City (AsiaNews) – In accepting the letters of credentials of Nepal's new envoy to the Holy See, Madan Kumar Bhattarai,  Pope Benedict XVI expressed his concern over the violence in that country and urged Asian nations to promote co-operation among themselves in the fight against war and poverty.

Quoting his predecessor John Paul II, the Pope said in English that "the advancement of the poor constitutes a great opportunity for the moral, cultural and even economic growth of all humanity". Although John Paul II's "appeal for greater solidarity [was] made to the international community as a whole, it has particular relevance for the countries of Asia."

The Holy Father also expressed his concern for the wave of violence that has swept across Nepal.

"I pray that all parties will end the bloodshed which continues to cause so much suffering for the nation," he said, urging all to "instead embrace the path of dialogue and negotiation. This alone can enable all the people of Nepal to enjoy justice, tranquility and harmony."

"For her part," Benedict XVI noted, "the Catholic Church also draws inspiration from the lofty principle of solidarity in her own commitment to serving the integral good of the human person."

However small, the Catholic community of Nepal has "focused attention on the need to support the poor in the fight against poverty. The Church's endeavours are not just an expression of her concern for the less-fortunate but illustrate her keen desire to work with government authorities for the spiritual and material well-being of every citizen."

Christian schools are among the most respected and better known educational facilities in the country. Members of the government and of the elite have attended institutes run by the Jesuits.

The Pontiff concluded expressing his confidence that the "ongoing support for the legal guarantee of religious freedom will enable Christians to continue to fulfil their mission to preach the Good News of salvation and to bear witness to it through practical deeds of love and compassion."

According to the last report by the Church-in-Need, even though the government does not normally interfere in the internal affairs of the various religious communities, freedom of worship faces some obstacles in nepal.

For instance the constitution bans proselytising and Christian groups have pointed out that this severely restricts the freedom of expression of people who adhere to religions other than Hinduism.