Pope Leo XIV wishes to strengthen Vietnam-Vatican relations

Pope Leo XIV expressed his wish to further promote bilateral ties between the Holy See and Vietnam when he met with Vietnamese Vice-State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan at the Vatican on Monday, as part of Xuan's official visit to Italy from June 29 to July 1.

During the meeting, the pope said he was pleased to receive Xuan and to see the positive developments in Vietnam-Vatican relations.

He particularly highlighted the recent elevation of the relationship with the appointment of a Resident Papal Representative of the Holy See in Vietnam.

The pope expressed hope that both sides will continue strengthening collaborationespecially through the VietnamVatican Joint Working Group mechanismto further advance bilateral relations and meet the expectations of Catholics.

Xuan congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election by the College of Cardinals and affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam are committed to promoting cooperation with the Holy See.

Vietnam also appreciates the guidance provided by Vatican popes to the Vietnamese Catholic community.

On this occasion, she conveyed an invitation from Vietnamese leaders for the pope and senior Vatican officials to visit Vietnam in the near future.

Pope Leo XIV accepted the invitation, expressing his strong desire to visit Vietnam to connect more closely with the Vietnamese Catholic Church.

Later the same day, Vice-President Xuan held talks with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

Xuan summarized the outcomes of her meeting with the pope and hoped that the Holy See's Resident Papal Representative in VietnamArchbishop Marek Zalewskiwill continue to coordinate closely with Vietnam's relevant agencies in carrying out his pastoral mission.

Gallagher responded by expressing his satisfaction with the advances in the VietnamVatican relations, praising Vietnam's religious policies and affirming the Holy See's commitment to deepening bilateral ties.

Vinh Tho - Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/07/01-17:24)