The new papal nuncio to Nepal, Salvatore Pennacchio, presented his credentials to Nepal’s first president Ram Baran Yadav yesterday at the presidential palace in Kathmandu. The ceremony was a diplomatic first for the Vatican and Nepal since all papal nuncios to Nepal prior to Pennacchio, presented their credentials to kings. Nepal abolished the monarchy in 2008. “We also met with the vice president. Nepal’s Catholic community may be small but the people have a lot of faith. This was a very short visit and we hope to be back again soon,” Nuncio Pennacchio said before flying to New Delhi after a two-day visit. Nuncio Pennacchio, who is nuncio to both India and Nepal, presented his credentials in India on September 29, 2010. NP13668.1645