KATHMANDU - More than a century after his death, the electrifying ideology of 19th century Indian philosopher and social reformer Swami Vivekananda is gathering momentum in neighbouring Nepal with people as diverse as police officers, the president of the national boxers' association, and top bankers and businessmen coming together to spread the thoughts of the man often revered as a saint.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI appealed Monday for freedom of faith in Egypt, Pakistan, China and the Middle East, and urged greater respect in Western countries towards religious symbols and beliefs.

KUALA LUMPUR - Portraying of religious preachers as ghost-busters using verses from holy Quran in horror films being made in Malaysia has irked Islamic scholars.