[Gengis Khan]

I dont know about Italy. US, UK, Canada and the netherlands seem to atleast recognize it as a faith.

I will ping you the article when I find it but from my knowledge I know Italy does not recognize Hinduism as a religion. Its a subtle way to prevent conversions to Hinduism. If Hinduism itself is not recognized then all conversions to Hinduism can invalidated. So much for religious freedom rhetoric.

Russia along with the entire Islamic world has refused to recognize Hinduism as a religion.

The Russian government have actually razed temples in Moscow for "want of land" and haven't reconstructed them elsewhere as promised. Moreover the Hindus there are also regularly subjected to racial assaults.

First, "conversions" don't have legal standing, one way or the other, in Western countries.

If they don't then I wonder why the Pope demands a legal/constitutional right to convert.

[AmishDude]

my knowledge I know Italy does not recognize Hinduism as a religion.

You are quite wrong, but I will allow you to do your own research. Hindus receive the same religious subsidy as others, in fact. At least, as of 2001.

If they don't then I wonder why the Pope demands a legal/constitutional right to convert.

He was undoubtedly talking about the Indian constitution and in India both religions and conversions apparently do have legal standing.

[Cronos]

The Russian government have actually razed temples in Moscow for "want of land" and haven't reconstructed them elsewhere as promised. Moreover the Hindus there are also regularly subjected to racial assaults.

Russians are Eastern Orthodox Christians and they'd laugh if you said that they follow the Pope's comments -- they may listen, but they follow the Patriarch of Moscow

[Mrs. Don-o]

First, "conversions" don't have legal standing, one way or the other, in Western countries.
"If they don't then I wonder why the Pope demands a legal/constitutional right to convert."

Maybe because he wants people to be free to convert, regardless of legal standing?

What does this "legal standing" amount to, anyway? Is it that in some countries (Italy? or Russia?), you can't vote, or hold office, or get a passport, or immigrate, or emigrate, or teach in a public school or something, if you don't have the "right" religious credentials?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the U.S. Census doesn't list religious affiliation, does it? And if they do in other countries, then --- as I said --- for what purpose?

[SauronOfMordor]

I will ping you the article when I find it but from my knowledge I know Italy does not recognize Hinduism as a religion. Its a subtle way to prevent conversions to Hinduism. If Hinduism itself is not recognized then all conversions to Hinduism can invalidated. So much for religious freedom rhetoric.

In the US, you can convert to Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Satanism, or worshiping your pet goat, and the government will not care. Christians do not generally convert to Hinduism (although you did get a few people to convert to Hare Krishna a while back -- don't know how those guys are looked upon in mainstream Hinduism). I don't know if it's from a lack of outreach, or from a lack of appeal