Christopher Sharma

The installation Mass of Mgr Paul Simick, new apostolic vicar to Nepal, is scheduled for 29 June at Kathmandu's cathedral. The community "is praying, full of gratitude for the new pastor," who will "help us know more and more the Word of God."

Hundreds of people, of both religions, attended the funeral of the Catholic Rajendra Rai, his body was cremated because the authorities still have not granted land for Christian cemeteries. The support of ethnic minorities and of the Hindu majority.

After an emergency landing due to bad weather, the Prime Minister Tsherin Togbay visited a Buddhist stupa and met with members of the Tibetan community. Bhutanese refugees: "We demand respect for our right to return to our homeland".

In a private interview, the new Indian Prime Minister said he is a "Hindu" but has a "deep respect for all religions”. His Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a Hindu nationalist party , however, is linked to many cases of violence and persecution against ethnic and religious minorities in the country.

According to local authorities, the BJP's victory will improve relations between Kathmandu and New Delhi. Although India's winning Bharatiya Janata Party is a Hindu nationalist party, Nepal's foreign minister reiterates that it will not lead to any favouritism in the Himalayan nation. Religious minorities have no reason to be afraid.

Health care in the nation is dire, a result of crippled economy and vast social inequality, hospitals reject those suffering from AIDS, leprosy or rabbis. The only open refuge becomes the church, where many seek the grace of healing.

The Buddhist world celebrates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, but new archaeological evidence points to the actual date being at least a century earlier. Historians and archaeologists at work, while festivities begin for the faithful around the world.

At the moment the infection has spread to the city of Biratnagar, where it is estimated that at least one member in every family has contracted the virus. Contaminated water distributed by the government as drinking water believed to be origin of outbreak.

Rihana Banu Dhapali, 19, is still alive, hospitalised in serious but stable condition. For months, her husband beat her demanding a bigger dowry, including a motorcycle and a water buffalo. Islamic religious leader condemns the violence, which "is contrary to our faith."

Heavy rains prevent climbers from tackle mountain hikes, and the massacre of the Sherpas shas halted all activities. Many still trying to find tickets to return to the capital. The Lukla Tara Airport manager confirms: "We are not been able to issue tickets".

The Nepali government wants the country's religious minorities to submit to such a request. For Christian rights activist, "the government is trying to discourage us and those who wish to convert. This is against the law, democracy and civil rights".

The Vatican appointed Msgr. Paul Simick apostolic vicar of Nepal. According to the faithful , he "will be able to protect the rights of Catholics and spread the word of God on the rooftop of the world" . One sister, a professed religious, working in the west of the country: "I am delighted and surprised by the appointment ."