Nepalese bishop calls for ‘Bridge-Builders’ to foster Interreligious Dialogue

For a bishop serving in a country where Catholics are a small minority, cultivating deeply inspired and empowered bridge-builders is essential for interreligious dialogue to truly flourish.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Veritas Asia, Bishop Paul Simick, Vicar Apostolic of Nepal, shared his insights on fostering meaningful relationships with other faith communities in the country.

Nepal is predominantly Hindu and Buddhist, with Christians comprising only around 1% of the population.

Despite these numbers, Bishop Simick remains committed to promoting mutual understanding and respect among different religious traditions.

“We regularly create opportunities to engage in dialogue with these cultures and religions so that we may better understand each other and ourselves,” Bishop Simick said.

He spoke about recent meetings with Buddhist monks and Hindu leaders, which were organized to express the Catholic Church's openness and willingness to collaborate in Nepal's multicultural context.

Interestingly, Bishop Simick revealed that he was raised in a Buddhist household and only became Catholic when his entire family converted, giving him a unique perspective on his interreligious work.

In keeping with the global Church’s spirit of synodality, the bishop emphasized that their interreligious efforts are rooted in listening and walking together. “The Church listens, works with the people, and does not leave anyone behind,” he stressed.

Education has become a key ministry for the vicariate as it seeks to make a lasting impact. “The Catholic Church in Nepal is recognized primarily through its educational institutions,” Bishop Simick said. “We have been educating people about what it means to be a synodal Church—taking everyone along and leaving no one behind.”

Beyond education, the bishop highlighted ongoing efforts to support the poor, a crucial mission in a developing nation like Nepal.

“Every day, we engage with the poor, working with them, helping them improve their economic and social conditions,” he shared.

Despite these initiatives, Bishop Simick acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the vicariate.

“I have only 21 priests,” he noted. “It’s particularly challenging to reach remote villages, especially during the rainy season.”

Adding to these difficulties is his unique position as the sole decision-maker in his jurisdiction since he is not part of any bishops’ conference.

“I have to rely on my judgment for key Church matters within the vicariate,” he explained.

However, Bishop Simick remains steadfast, drawing strength from his episcopal motto, Lucerna pedibus meis Verbum tuum—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

“The Scriptures guide me and keep me on the path toward God,” he concluded, underscoring the deep spiritual foundation that sustains his ministry.