Nirmala Carvalho

The head of the Hindu ultra-nationalist group Rashtriya Sawayamsevak Sangh (RSS) states that "Hinduism does not accept conversions" because "they are not necessary." Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) president differentiates Hinduism from the Hindutva ideology in whose name the RSS engages in violence against India's religious minorities.

The ceremony took place yesterday in Ettumanoor (Kerala), his native village. Thousands of people, including priests and lay people, wanted to bid a final farewell to a man of faith and "true witness" of Christ. Police investigations are continuing, according to which the murderers are "acquaintances" of Fr. Thomas.

At the first general audience there was a delegation of 14 Indian students. Four of them greeted the Pope, inviting him to visit India soon. The head of the group: "The Pope blessed our flag, as if he was doing it for all the students of India."

The rector of a Bangalore seminary who was killed overnight on Easter will be buried in his native village on Saturday. The authors of the crime remain unknown. For the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), "his death proclaims the death and the resurrection of our Lord."

The attackers killed Fr. K.J. Thomas hitting him in the face and head with a brick. Motive and identity of the killers still unknown. Archbishop of Bangalore "brutal and senseless murder, this is a great loss for us all." The funeral will be held in Ootacamund, his native diocese.

Born to a Hindu mother and Buddhist father, she has had tried to heal a troubled life with astrology and other rites. The appearance of a rosary and the support of a friend prompted her to approach catechism and then to become Catholic. "God has given me prayer, love, mercy and strength to forgive."

In March, Hindu fundamentalists and police demolished a church in Chhattisgarh. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) calls for protection for the Holy Week celebrations.

Born into a Muslim family, the girl ran away from home at seven years to escape from her mother’s beatings. Welcomed into a Jesuit hostel, she recalls the children “always prayed to a woman they called Mother Mary." The discovery of a serious illness, a nursing diploma and conversion to Catholicism.

Today, the two Marines will return to New Delhi, one day after expiration of the special permit. The Indian government gives written assurance it will not apply the death penalty if convicted.

A life marked by painful losses she approached Christ. Then she met a Catholic, now her husband, and she began the catechumenate. "I sought God in every moment." She will be baptized at Easter.

New media expert Fr Errol Fernandes SJ welcomes the new bishop of Rome, a fellow Jesuit, but especially a "man who is down-to-earth" with "fantastic people skills."

Sister Gemma, prioress of cloistered Carmelite nuns in Mumbai, talks about the joy and happiness generated by the election of the new pontiff. Pope Francis bowing to the faithful and the silent square were a "great moment for the whole Church".