Apostolic Vicariate Established in Nepal

On 10 Feb 2007, Pope Benedict XVI elevated the apostolic prefecture of Nepal to the rank of apostolic vicariate. He also appointed Rev Anthony Francis Sharma SJ, apostolic prefect of Nepal, as the first apostolic vicar, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of bishop.CZECH

Vatican: The establishing of the apostolic vicariate is another step towards building of a diocese: a mission in Nepal, founded in 1984, was elevated to apostolic prefecture in 1996 and on 10 Feb 2007 to apostolic vicariate.

The new apostolic vicariate of Nepal lies on the area of 147,181 sq km and out of its population of 23.7 million, 6,681 people are Catholics. There are 5 parishes and some 30 other missionary stations where 11 diocesan priests, 40 missionary priests and 112 women religious serve. 5 seminarians prepare for the priesthood.

Though small, the Catholic community maintains an active presence in society, where most people are Hindus and Buddhism and Islam are other big religions – the Church operates 44 educational institutes and 16 charity organizations.

The New bishop Anthony Francis Sharma was born on 12 Dec in Nepal's capital Kathmandu and on 4 May 1968 he was ordained a Jesuit priest. In 1984, he was appointed superior of the mission in Nepal, in 1996 apostolic prefect and on 10 Feb 2007 apostolic vicar and at the same time titular bishop of Gigthi.