ASIA/NEPAL - Resignation of the Apostolic Vicar of Nepal and appointment of successor

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - On April 25, 2014, the Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral government of the Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal (Nepal) by His Exc. Mgr. Anthony Francis Sharma, S.I., in accordance with can. 401 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law.
The Pope appointed Rev. Paul Simick of the clergy of Darjeeling, Pastor of the Cathedral of Darjeeling as Apostolic Vicar of Nepal, assigning him the titular epeiscopal see of Maturba.
Rev. Simick Paul was born on August 7, 1963, in Gitdubling, Diocese of Darjeeling. He studied philosophy and theology at the Morning Star Regional Seminary, Barrackpore, Calcutta. He holds a Masters in English, and a Licentiate and Doctorate in Biblical Theology at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome. He was ordained a priest on April 9, 1992 for the Diocese of Darjeeling.
After his ordination he has served in the following pastoral and academic roles: 1992-1993: Hostel Prefect of Namchi Public School, Sikkim; 1993-1995: Pastor of St. Maurice Parish, Suruk, Darjeeling; 1995-2000: Studies for a Licentiate and Doctorate in Biblical Theology in Rome; 2000-2006: Professor of Sacred Scripture at Morning Star College, Calcutta; 2006-2007: Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Pakyong, East Sikkim; 2007-2011: Dean of the East Sikkim Deanery and Treasurer of St. Xavier 's School, Pakyong; 2009-2011: Vice Dean of St. Xavier 's School, Pakyong; since 2011: Pastor of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral , Darjeeling. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 25/04/2014)