Catholic Church in Nepal

{{Short description|none}} {{Infobox diocese |country = {{flag|Nepal}} |name = Nepal |jurisdiction = Apostolic Vicariate |latin = Vicariatus Apostolicus Nepalianus |local = | image = | image_size = frameless | image_alt = | caption = Coat of arms of Prefecture | denomination = [[Catholic Church]] | established = 4 August 2011 | cathedral = Church of the Assumption in Kathmandu | cocathedral = | patron =  | patron_title =  | priests =  |bishop = Bishop [[Paul Simick]] |bishop_title = Apostolic Prefect |rite = [[Latin Church|Latin Rite]] |area_km2 = |population = |population_as_of = 2011 |catholics = 10,000 |catholics_percent= 0 |map = |map_caption = }}

The '''Catholic Church in Nepal''' is part of the worldwide [[Catholic Church]], under the spiritual leadership of the [[pope]] in Rome. As of 2011 there are over 10,000 Catholics in Nepal, organized into one Catholic jurisdiction known as an [[apostolic vicariate]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Cheney |first=David M. |year=2004 |title=Vicariate Apostolic of Nepal |url=http://catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dnepa.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506070330/http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dnepa.html |archive-date=2008-05-06 |access-date=2006-06-18 |work=[[Catholic-Hierarchy.org]]}}</ref><ref name="ten"/>

Catholicism was first propagated in Nepal during the 18th century, though from 1810 to 1950, missionaries were not allowed in Nepal. Since 1951, missionaries have again been allowed to enter the country, though [[proselytism]] has remained illegal, and [[conversion to Christianity]] remained illegal until 1990.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Religious minorities in South Asia: selected essays on post-colonial situations |date=2002 |publisher=Manak Publications |isbn=978-81-86562-89-5 |editor-last=Hussain |editor-first=Monirul |edition=1st |location=New Delhi |editor-last2=Ghosh |editor-first2=Lipi}}</ref> In 1983, a [[mission sui iuris|mission ''sui iuris'']] covering Nepal was created, and in 1996 it was raised to an [[Apostolic Prefect]]ure. The interim constitution, finalized in 2007, guaranteed religious freedom but continued the ban on proselytism. On February 10, 2007, [[Pope Benedict XVI|Benedict XVI]] elevated the prefecture of Nepal to the rank of a vicariate and appointed [[Anthony Francis Sharma]] as the first vicar and first Nepalese bishop of the Catholic Church.

In 2020, it was noted that Catholics make up 0.03% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Association of Religion Data Archives - National / Regional Profiles |url=https://www.thearda.com/world-religion/national-profiles?u=159c |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815111010/https://www.thearda.com/world-religion/national-profiles?u=159c |archive-date=2023-08-15 |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=[[Association of Religion Data Archives]]}}</ref> In the same year, there were 113 priests and 211 nuns serving across 14 parishes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McFarland |first=Michael C. |title=Catholics & Cultures - Nepal |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/nepal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815111607/https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/nepal |archive-date=2023-08-15 |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=Catholics & Cultures}}</ref>

== History == {{See also|Christianity in Nepal}}

=== Origins === The history of Catholicism in Nepal begins with its inclusion within the jurisdiction of the Portuguese [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Funchal|Diocese of Funchal]], and, in 1533, as part of the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman|Diocese of Goa]]. From then on until 1983, it was a part of many different Indian dioceses. Apart from a short visit of [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit fathers]] [[Albert d'Orville]] and [[Johann Gruber]], who spent the month of January 1662 in Kathmandu, missionaries settled in Nepal proper in 1715. In 1769, the priests and many Nepalese Christians left for India and settled in Chuhari, [[Bihar]], where they have remained. One Catholic priest did remain until his death in 1810. After that, there was no Christian presence until 1950.<ref name="history">{{cite web |author=Chhetri |first=Srijana |date=December 2004 |title=Nepal's First Churches |url=http://www.wavemag.com.np/issue/article697.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928013357/http://www.wavemag.com.np/issue/article697.html |archive-date=September 28, 2007 |access-date=2006-06-18 |work=[[Wave (magazine)|Wave]]}}</ref> On May 19, 1893, the whole of Nepal was added to the Prefecture of [[Bettiah]], India.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | author=Battandier, Albert | year=1911 | title=Bettiah | encyclopedia=[[Catholic Encyclopedia]] Vol. II | url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02538a.htm | access-date=2006-06-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060403073846/http://newadvent.org/cathen/02538a.htm | archive-date=2006-04-03 | url-status=live }}</ref> It was then a part of the [[Patna]], [[India]] [[apostolic vicariate]] from 1919 until the establishment of the mission covering only Nepal in 1983.<ref>{{cite web |date=2007-03-19 |title=Chronology of Catholic Dioceses: Nepal |url=http://www.katolsk.no/organisasjon/verden/chronology/nepal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518010152/http://www.katolsk.no/organisasjon/verden/chronology/nepal |archive-date=May 18, 2011 |access-date=2006-06-18 |work=Katolsk}}</ref> With the introduction of [[democracy]] in 1951, [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit]] missionaries started educational institutions but were not allowed to evangelize. [[St. Xavier's School, Godavari|Saint Xavier's School]] was established in 1951.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}

=== Mission ''sui iuris'' (1983-1996) === The Catholic Mission was established in 1983 with territory taken from Patna diocese in India and entrusted to the care of the Jesuits.<ref name="nuncio">{{cite web |date=September 7, 2003 |title=First Official Visit by New Nuncio Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana |url=http://www.sspxasia.com/Countries/Nepal/NewsArchive.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060623063627/http://sspxasia.com/Countries/Nepal/NewsArchive.htm |archive-date=June 23, 2006 |access-date=2006-06-18 |work=[[Society of Saint Pius X]] |agency=Fides}}</ref> The Apostolic Vicar, [[Anthony Francis Sharma|Anthony Sharma]], spent [[Easter]] day in 1986 in a police station for preaching to non-Christian relatives of some of the faithful attending church with them. [[Religious conversion|Conversion]] to [[Christianity]] was forbidden by law, and was reiterated by the 1990 constitution that created a multi-party democracy. Since 1990, the law had not been enforced.<ref>{{cite web |author=Akkara |first=Anto |date=May 8, 2006 |title=Christianity grows rapidly in Nepal, despite ban on conversions |url=http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2006/06254.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060617065919/http://pcusa.org/pcnews/2006/06254.htm |archive-date=June 17, 2006 |access-date=2006-06-18 |work=[[PCUSA]] |agency=[[Ecumenical News International]]}}</ref>

[[Caritas Nepal]] was founded in 1990 by the local Catholic Church to support the most vulnerable members of society, particularly in response to natural disasters or other emergency situations.<ref name="peaceinsight">{{cite web |date=December 2017 |title=Caritas Nepal |url=https://www.peaceinsight.org/en/organisations/caritas-nepal/?location=nepal&theme |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=[[Peace Insight]]}}</ref>

In 1992 the Church of the Assumption, a new church built with its name hearkening back to the original Assumption church, was officially recognized.<ref name="history"/> In 1996 the Mission was elevated to the rank of [[Apostolic Prefecture]].<ref name="nuncio"/>

=== Apostolic Prefecture (1996-2007) === [[Image:NepalWYD.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Youths preparing for [[World Youth Day 2005]]]] Before [[Gyanendra of Nepal|King Gyanendra]] was stripped of his powers by the Constituent Assembly, which had been elected to produce a new constitution, there had been hope of official recognition by the state{{Who|date=March 2025}} since the king was educated at a [[Catholic school]] ([[St Joseph's College, Darjeeling|St Joseph' College, Darjeeling]]) and was a pupil of the then Apostolic Vicar, Nepalese [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit]] Bishop Anthony Sharma.<ref name="nuncio"/> In May 2006, church leaders welcomed the parliamentary declaration that Nepal is now a "[[secular state]]," a change from what had been the only [[State religion|officially Hindu]] country in the world.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 22, 2006 |title=UCAN: Catholic leaders welcome Nepal becoming secular state |url=http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=19914 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060621203545/http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=19914 |archive-date=June 21, 2006 |access-date=2006-06-18 |work=[[Union of Catholic Asian News]]}}</ref> The first open air Christian musical program was hosted to celebrate the beginning of religious freedom for the first time in Nepal's history.<ref>{{cite web | date= July 3, 2006 | title= Christians hold open-air musical program to celebrate country's new religious freedom | work= Union of Catholic Asian News | url= http://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=/2006/07/03/christians-hold-openair-musical-program-to-celebrate-countrys-new-religious-freedom&post_id=27615 | access-date= 2006-06-18 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160603160426/http://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=%2F2006%2F07%2F03%2Fchristians-hold-openair-musical-program-to-celebrate-countrys-new-religious-freedom&post_id=27615 | archive-date= June 3, 2016 | url-status= live }}</ref> A [[convent]] was inaugurated along with a training center in western Nepal in June 2006, a first for western Nepal.<ref>{{cite web| date= June 22, 2006| title= First permanent buildings give Church more presence in Nepal| work= Union of Catholic Asian News| url= http://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=/2006/06/22/first-permanent-buildings-give-church-more-visible-presence-in-far-west&post_id=27552| access-date= 2006-07-04| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160603134213/http://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=%2F2006%2F06%2F22%2Ffirst-permanent-buildings-give-church-more-visible-presence-in-far-west&post_id=27552| archive-date= June 3, 2016| url-status= live}}</ref> Six Nepalese youths went to [[World Youth Day 2005]] in [[Cologne]], [[Germany]].<ref>{{cite web |date=August 10, 2005 |title=Getting visas for six Nepalese youths to attend the WYD proves complicated |url=http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=3893 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060707055253/http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=3893 |archive-date=July 7, 2006 |access-date=2006-07-04 |work=AsiaNews}}</ref> In a display of inter-religious cooperation, the Olympic torch was brought to the top of the sacred mountain of [[Makalu]], having been blessed by both [[Pope Benedict XVI]] and the [[14th Dalai Lama|Dalai Lama]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Dubey |first=Prakash |date=June 5, 2006 |title=Olympic torch blessed by pope on sacred mount |url=http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=6356 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929134249/http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=6356 |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |access-date=2006-07-04 |work=AsiaNews}}</ref> On February 10, 2007, Pope [[Benedict XVI]] raised the status of the missionary jurisdiction to an [[apostolic vicariate]].<ref>{{cite web |date=February 12, 2007 |title=Nepalese native promoted to vicariate |url=http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?idarticle=7869 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610130324/http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?idarticle=7869 |archive-date=June 10, 2011 |access-date=2007-02-20 |work=Spero News |agency=Fides}}</ref> While remaining exempt (directly subject to the Holy See, not part of any ecclesiastical province), the pre-diocesan jurisdiction for Nepal is since entitled to a [[titular bishop]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}

=== Apostolic Vicariate (2007 - present) === At Nepal's Catholic cathedral, the Church of the Assumption in [[Kathmandu]], there are English Masses said on Sundays.<ref>{{cite web |author=Vance |first=Karen |date=August 30, 2004 |title=Missionary's learned much in Nepal |url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/08/30/loc_loc2apriest.html |access-date=2006-07-04 |work=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]}}</ref>{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |fix-attempted=yes |url=}} Catholic Relief Services conducts many programs in the country, including counteracting the trade in women and children and aiding those affected by [[flood]]s and [[landslide]]s.<ref>{{cite web |year=2006 |title=Our Work: Nepal |url=http://www.crs.org/our_work/where_we_work/overseas/Asia/nepal/index.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927042806/http://www.crs.org/our_work/where_we_work/overseas/Asia/nepal/index.cfm |archive-date=2007-09-27 |access-date=2009-08-11 |work=[[Catholic Relief Services]]}}</ref>{{Non-primary source needed|date=March 2025}} [[Caritas Nepal]], in partnership with [[Caritas Australia]], helped train 12,000 Nepalese farmers to optimize their small land holdings.<ref name="china"/> In 2007, Nepal adopted an interim constitution, guaranteeing each citizen the "right to profess, practise and preserve his/her own religion as handed down to him/her from ancient times". However, it expressly forbids people to convert others to their religion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Interim Constitution of Nepal|page=5|url=http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nepal_Interim_Constitution2007.pdf|year=2007|work=WorldStatesman.org|access-date=2009-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715105244/http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nepal_Interim_Constitution2007.pdf|archive-date=2009-07-15|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Non-primary source needed|date=March 2025}} In 2009, three missions on the border with [[China]] were opened, and land was acquired for more churches and Catholic schools.<ref name="china">{{cite web |date=2011-03-20 |title=Spreading the Catholic faith in Nepal |url=http://www.catholicleader.com.au/news.php/people-news/spreading-the-catholic-faith-in-nepal_71911 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110422072716/http://www.catholicleader.com.au/news.php/people-news/spreading-the-catholic-faith-in-nepal_71911 |archive-date=2011-04-22 |access-date=2013-02-13 |work=[[The Catholic Leader]]}}</ref> A delegation was not sent to [[World Youth Day]] in 2008 or 2011, but a group of 15 youths did attend with help from the Neo-Catechumenical Way.<ref name="way">{{cite web |date=2011-07-29 |title=Nepal will not attend WYD, say officials |url=http://www.ucanews.com/news/nepal-will-not-attend-wyd-say-officials/25399 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910203037/http://www.ucanews.com/news/nepal-will-not-attend-wyd-say-officials/25399 |archive-date=2015-09-10 |access-date=2013-02-13 |work=Union of Catholic Asian News}}</ref> Population estimates from 2011 show the number of Catholics exceeding 10,000.<ref name="ten">{{cite web |author=Parajuli |first=Kalpit |date=2011-10-20 |title=Nepalese Catholics grow. A challenge to the anti-conversion laws |url=http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Nepalese-Catholics-grow.-A-challenge-to-the-anti-conversion-laws-22963.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117193515/http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Nepalese-Catholics-grow.-A-challenge-to-the-anti-conversion-laws-22963.html |archive-date=2018-11-17 |access-date=2013-02-13 |work=[[AsiaNews]]}}</ref> In 2011, the [[legislature of Nepal]] proposed a series of laws making the [[Religious conversion|changing of religions]] a crime.<ref name="ten"/> Catholic groups and individuals raised the issue of Nepal's anti-conversion laws to the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]] during the January 2011 review cycle.<ref name="converts">{{cite web |date=2011-01-20 |title=UN rights review gives Nepal Catholics hope |url=http://www.ucanews.com/news/un-rights-review-gives-nepal-catholics-hope/3228 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603185152/http://www.ucanews.com/news/un-rights-review-gives-nepal-catholics-hope/3228 |archive-date=2016-06-03 |access-date=2013-02-13 |work=[[Union of Catholic Asian News]]}}</ref> The Church in Nepal provides assistance to the 35,000 [[Bhutanese refugees]] in eastern Nepal.<ref name="center">{{cite web |date=2004-06-04 |title=Nepal Gets 1st Catholic Pastoral Center |url=https://www.zenit.org/en/articles/nepal-gets-1st-catholic-pastoral-center |access-date=2013-02-13 |work=Zenit News Service}}</ref>

== Diplomatic relations == At the ambassadorial level, Nepal has exchanged diplomatic representations with the Vatican.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 1, 2001 |title=Bilateral and multilateral relationships of the Holy See |url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/documents/rc_seg-st_20010123_holy-see-relations_en.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627052937/http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/documents/rc_seg-st_20010123_holy-see-relations_en.html |archive-date=June 27, 2006 |access-date=2006-06-18 |work=[[Vatican.va]]}}</ref> The Holy See traditionally vests the office of [[Apostolic nuncio]] to Nepal in the Apostolic nunciature to India.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}

== Persecution == At the start of the 21st century, [[Maoism|Maoist]] rebels targeted Catholic institutions, such as their torching of two Catholic schools in 2002 in the [[Gurkha]] region.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 13, 2002 |title=Attacks on Schools Fail to Deter Church in Nepal |url=http://www.sspxasia.com/Countries/Nepal/NewsArchive.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060623063627/http://sspxasia.com/Countries/Nepal/NewsArchive.htm |archive-date=June 23, 2006 |access-date=2006-06-18 |work=[[Society of Saint Pius X]] |agency=[[Zenit News Agency]]}}</ref> A mission in Eastern Nepal was subject to attack by Maoist insurgents in 2003, destroying a residence, clinic, chapel, kindergarten and kitchens.<ref>{{cite web |author=Coday |first=Dennis |date=October 10, 2003 |title=Maoists torch Catholic mission |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-110220548.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026101535/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-110220548.html |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |access-date=2009-08-11 |work=National Catholic Reporter}}</ref> In July 2007, Father John Prakash, rector of the Salesian School, was murdered by people thought to be connected to the [[Nepal Defence Army]]<ref name="ten"/><ref>{{cite web |date=2009-05-25 |title=Nepal Church Bomb Kills 2, Injures 8 |url=http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/nepal-church-bomb-kills-2-injures-8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807082516/http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/nepal-church-bomb-kills-2-injures-8 |archive-date=2014-08-07 |access-date=2013-02-13 |work=[[Zenit News Agency]]}}</ref> During Maoist attempts to call a national school strike, they attacked a small Catholic school in mid-western Nepal with a [[bomb]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Coday |first=Dennis |date=June 18, 2004 |title=Violence closes Nepal's schools |url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-118742983.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529072422/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-118742983.html |archive-date=May 29, 2016 |access-date=2006-07-04 |work=[[National Catholic Reporter]]}}</ref> In May 2009, the Nepal Defence Army bombed Assumption Church in Kathmandu during a prayer service, killing three people.<ref name="terror">{{cite news |date=2012-08-17 |title=Catholic church in Nepal says it has received threats from Hindu group |url=https://www.deseret.com/2012/8/17/20430299/catholic-church-in-nepal-says-it-has-received-threats-from-hindu-group/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115133526/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765597496/Catholic-church-in-Nepal-says-it-has-received-threats-from-Hindu-group.html?pg=all |archive-date=2016-01-15 |access-date=2013-02-13 |work=Deseret News |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The church was also blackmailed for money in August 2012 by someone claiming to be a member of the group.<ref name="terror"/>

In 2023, [[Freedom House]] rated the country 2 out of 4 for religious freedom.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nepal: Freedom in the World 2023 Country Report |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/nepal/freedom-world/2023 |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=Freedom House |language=en}}</ref>

== See also == * [[Christianity in Nepal]] * [[Catholic Church in Bhutan]] * [[Catholic Church in India]] * [[Catholic Church in Tibet]]

== References == {{reflist|2}}

{{Asia topic|Catholic Church in|groupstyle=background-color:gold|titlestyle=background-color:gold}} {{Asia topic|Christianity in}}

[[Category:Catholic Church in Nepal| ]] [[Category:Catholic Church by country|Nepal]]