Showing posts with label Vietnam. Show all posts

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Fr. Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep beatified in Vietnam by Cardinal Luis Tagle

Cardinal Tagle presides over the beatification Mass of Fr. Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp

Church

Cardinal Tagle: A martyr helps a confused world discover Jesus’ truth

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, presides over the beatification Mass of Fr. Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp, a Vietnamese priest who dedicated his life to his flock and was killed in the aftermath of the Second World War.

By Isabella H. de Carvalho

Fr. Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp’s witness and martyrdom invite us to respond to Jesus’ calling to proclaim his love in our daily lives through charity and embracing the suffering of others, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, said at the Mass for his beatification, celebrated in Vietnam on July 2, 2026.

Fr. Diệp was a parish priest in Tắc Sậy, southern Vietnam, who dedicated himself tirelessly to the faithful entrusted to him to the point of giving his life for them, refusing to abandon his flock despite the dangerous situation that was brewing in the days before his death.

He was killed in 1946 in the violent aftermath of the Second World War by Japanese deserter militiamen who had captured him along with 70 other people and threatened to burn them alive. Fr. Diệp offered himself to the armed gang in exchange for the liberation of the others.

The people were freed, and his maimed body was later found in a pond.

“Blessed Francis Xavier Trương Bửu Diệp never wavered in manifesting the charity and justice of Jesus to the poor, the love of Jesus that embraces all, even non-Christians, and the fidelity of Jesus the Good Shepherd who does not leave His flock alone to be devoured by wolves, thieves and marauders,” said Cardinal Tagle in his homily.

Cardinal Tagle presided over the beatification as Pope Leo XIV’s envoy, and it was celebrated at the Tắc Sậy pilgrimage center - where Fr. Diệp’s remains are located – in the southern Cà Mau province.

The world needs bearers of truth

In his homily, Cardinal Tagle reflected that being a martyr means being a “missionary par excellence,” as martyrs bear witness to Christ and proclaim his truth, even to the point of giving their lives for him.

“A true martyr helps a confused world to discover the truth of Jesus. The world needs true martyrs and bearers of truth. Let us not add to the increasing number of messengers of falsehood, hatred, division and violence,” Cardinal Tagle said.

He underlined how Blessed Diệp courageously kept the light of Christ shining despite those who wanted to extinguish it and his witness calls us to do the same in our lives.

“Which will we choose: to spread fake news or the teachings of Jesus? To behave and dress according to the latest fashion or according to the charity and simplicity of Jesus? To be proud of our worldly achievements or to be proud of Jesus?” asked Cardinal Tagle.

Cardinal Tagle during the beatification Mass (AFP or licensors)

Respond to Jesus’ call

He emphasized how “a true disciple profoundly loves Jesus, remains with Him and shares in His persecution,” just like Father Diệp did. This new Blessed is thus inviting us “to respond to Jesus’ calling, to choose Jesus, to cling to the words of Jesus and to proclaim the name of Jesus in our daily life.”

“What will we choose,” Cardinal Tagle asked again, “becoming rich by corruption or remaining poor but honest? Accumulating property that you do not need or sharing it with the poor and needy? Seeking your own safety and convenience or embracing the suffering of others?”

Place your hope in Christ

Lastly, Cardinal Tagle noted how the relationship of a martyr with Christ is sustained by hope in his Resurrection, especially in the face of persecution.

“Blessed Francis Xavier is inviting us to place our hope only in Jesus and in His Kingdom. Only such hope can give meaning and sustain our lives and mission on earth, not the fleeting treasures of the world,” Cardinal Tagle insisted, asking another series of questions again.

“What will we choose: to rely on earthly wealth or on the everlasting riches in Jesus’ Kingdom? Will we rely on fame, the number of followers and likes in social media or on Jesus’ promise to be with us forever? Will we rely on weapons of war or on Jesus’ gift of peace?”

The Cardinal concluded his homily by praying for the intercession of the Virgin Mary and of Blessed Diệp and by citing the Gospel of Matthew: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.”

Saturday, April 25, 2026

On first day back from Africa, Pope Leo XIV meets the Vietnamese Bishops

Vatican

Vietnamese bishops tell Pope Leo that their Church is a family

As part of their ad limina visit to the Vatican, the Vietnamese bishops meet with Pope Leo, and Bishop Dominic Nguyen Tuan Anh describes the audience as fraternal and heartfelt.

Vatican News

Back in the Vatican after his 11-day Apostolic Journey to four African nations, Pope Leo XIV's schedule in Rome resumed immediately. On the morning following his return from Equatorial Guinea, he welcomed the bishops of Vietnam on their ad limina visit.

The “ad limina Apostolorum” visit, made by bishops in communion with the Apostolic See, aims to strengthen their responsibility as successors of the Apostles and their hierarchical communion with the Successor of Peter. Centred on prayer at the tombs of Sts Peter and Paul, it also serves as a key moment in the Pope’s pastoral ministry, during which he meets the bishops to discuss matters related to their ecclesial mission.

After the papal audience, Bishop Dominic Nguyen Tuan Anh of the Diocese of Xuân Lộc described the meeting as fraternal, saying that even "after a long journey to Africa, [the Pope] took the time this morning to meet us with all his heart."

With around 7 million Catholics, Vietnam is home to the fifth-largest Catholic community in Asia. Bishop Nguyen Tuan Anh relayed how happy the Pope was to hear about the local church in the country, which the bishop described as having a "strong faith." He added that in the ever-growing technology-driven world, the Vietnamese church is working to answer questions regarding faith and AI and mass media.

Therefore, the bishop stressed the need to "unite" to face these modern-day challenges.

The following is a transcript of the interview edited for clarity.

This morning, the Vietnamese bishops met with Pope Leo XIV as part of their ad limina visit. What was that meeting like?

First, after a long journey to Africa, he took the time this morning to meet us with all his heart. We felt that, and he said that. Even though he was a little tired, he felt very happy and joyful to see us and to hear about the Vietnamese Church. Second, the way he connected with us was very fraternal.

He really is the Successor of St. Peter, and we are the successors of the apostles. The atmosphere of this morning was familial, a family of the Church. All of us have a responsibility to contribute to creating unity and communion in the Church. We really feel we are in communion with the Pope, the Holy See and the Universal Church. The Vietnamese Church is a family, and in our culture, family is very strong.

he Church has also been blessed by God's grace and by the blood of our martyrs.

What is the situation like in the Vietnamese Church now?

I think in the Church we always need the contribution and the unity of everyone: the bishops, priests, the lay people, and religious. We are appreciated for our strong faith. But also we face all the challenges like everyone else, in particular now with AI and with mass media. So we need to unite; we need to unify, and with God's grace, we can face this challenge in the way of faith, in the way of hope.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Pope Leo XIV "truly wishes" to visit Vietnam

Pope Leo XIV says he 'truly wishes' to visit Vietnam

Vietnamese Catholics now wait in prayer and hope that their heartfelt desire will soon become reality

Pope Leo XIV receives Võ Thị Ánh Xuân, the vice-president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in the Vatican, on June 30. (Photo: Vatican Media)

In a significant diplomatic and pastoral moment, Pope Leo XIV met with Vietnamese Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân on June 30 and openly expressed his strong personal desire to visit Vietnam “in the near future.”

The statement, made during an official audience at the Apostolic Palace, has sparked hope and excitement among Vietnamese Catholics, many of whom have long yearned for such a possibility.

This marks the clearest sign yet of a future papal visit to Vietnam — an idea once considered impossible.

The pope’s declaration was made during a 45-minute meeting, during which he warmly welcomed Xuân and her delegation. Pope Leo told the Vietnamese vice president that he “truly wishes” to travel to Vietnam and meet with the faithful in person.

In response, Xuân extended a formal invitation on behalf of the Vietnamese government, saying the country would be honored to welcome the pope “in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect.”

This is the first time a reigning pope has publicly expressed the desire to visit Vietnam during a high-level diplomatic meeting, signaling a potential turning point in Vatican–Vietnam relations and igniting a wave of hope across the country.

A dream of millions

For generations of Vietnamese Catholics, the hope of a papal visit has remained unfulfilled — until now, when that hope seems within reach.

Across Vietnam, where Catholics make up about 7 percent of the population (roughly 6 million people), news of the pope’s interest in visiting them has been met with joy and anticipation.

“Just ten years ago, the idea of a pope visiting Vietnam felt like nothing more than a distant dream. But today, it has never seemed more real. With God, nothing is impossible — thanks be to Him,” said John Trần Minh, a lay leader of a small rural sub-parish.

Catholics on social media quickly shared the news, with many noting the emotional weight of the pope’s choice of words. “He doesn’t just agree to come — he wants to. That means everything,” wrote one young Catholic from Ho Chi Minh City on Facebook.

Many have compared the potential trip to Pope John Paul II’s historic visits to Eastern Europe, which helped heal political divisions and empowered local churches during critical times of transition.

Although Vietnam and the Holy See haven’t established full diplomatic relations yet, their relationship has grown steadily over the past two decades.

In 2009, a Joint Working Group was established to maintain the dialogue between the two parties. Then, in 2011, the Vatican appointed a non-resident representative to Vietnam—a small but significant step forward.

More recently, in 2023, that position was upgraded to a resident papal representative based in Hanoi, a move that many observers viewed as a significant breakthrough.

These efforts have helped build trust.

During her visit to the Vatican, Xuân also met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States of the Vatican. She reaffirmed Vietnam’s willingness to support the work of the Holy See’s representative in Hanoi and to keep the dialogue moving forward.

A visit that could make history

If Pope Leo’s visit to Vietnam happens, it would be the first time in history that the head of the Catholic Church has set foot in the country. For many Catholics in Vietnam, that would mean the world.

It would be a powerful sign that the Church hasn’t forgotten them and that the Holy Father truly wants to be close to his people, wherever they are.

But beyond the symbolism, the visit could also have a real impact.

It would offer encouragement to the local Church, especially in areas such as education, healthcare, and helping the poor. It opens new doors for cooperation between religious communities and public institutions.

The pope’s presence could also convey a positive message about religious harmony in a country with diverse faiths.

In a bigger sense, the pope’s interest in Vietnam fits with the Vatican’s quiet but steady approach to diplomacy in Asia. Rather than relying on big speeches or political statements, the Holy See often builds bridges through relationships, presence, and personal gestures.

That’s what makes this moment so important — not just for Vietnam, but for the Church in the region.

Looking ahead

Vietnamese Catholics now wait in prayer and hope that Pope Leo’s heartfelt desire will soon become reality. While the Vatican has not confirmed a timeline, both sides have pledged to continue diplomatic discussions through existing channels.

As the universal Church embraces a new era of synodality, Pope Leo’s outreach to Vietnam sends a clear and moving message: no community is too distant, and no people are forgotten.

“His Holiness wants to come. That alone is a grace,” said one nun in Hanoi. “Now, together, we prepare our hearts to welcome him.”

*The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official editorial position of UCA News.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Pope Francis expresses interest in visiting Vietnam

Pope Francis meets with delegation of Vietnamese Communist Party

VATICAN

Archbishop Gallagher discusses Pope's meeting with Vietnamese delegation

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States, comments on Pope Francis' audience with a delegation Vietnamese political representatives, and says the Pope would like to visit the Asian nation.

By Salvatore Cernuzio

It was a "positive meeting" between the Pope and a delegation of representatives of the Communist Party of Vietnam, a sign of a strengthening of relations with the Holy See and also of a possible future visit of Pope Francis to the country.

The audience took place on Thursday morning, 18 January, in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. The delegation afterwards met in the Secretariat of State for talks with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States.

Steps forward

Archbishop Gallagher shared the aforementioned details of the meeting on the sidelines of a conference in the Holy See Press Office on the initiatives for the 200th anniversary of the death of Cardinal Ettore Consalvi.

First of all, the Archbishop judged the meeting positively, expressing the hope that the Catholic community will be able to benefit from this, which is a further step forward in bilateral relations, in addition to other important results achieved from the diplomatic point of view.

Notable among these was the agreement in December 2023 for the appointment of a papal representative resident in Vietnam, the Apostolic Nuncio in Singapore, Polish Archbishop Marek Zalewski.

This agreement was signed in July on the occasion of President Vo Van Thuong's visit to the Vatican on the basis of the 10th session of the Vietnam-Holy See Joint Working Group, held on 31 March in Rome.

Hopes for an Apostolic Journey

Archbishop Gallagher also announced that he personally will visit Vietnam 'in April' and that Cardinal Secretary of State Parolin will visit within the year.

"We will do things gradually," the Archbishop explained, saying he is also optimistic about the possibility of a future visit by Pope Francis himself.

"Yes, I think there will be. But there are a couple of steps to be taken before that is appropriate. I think," Archbishop Gallagher said, adding that "the Pope is keen to go, certainly the Catholic community is keen for the Pope to go and thinks it would be a very good message for the whole region."

Vietnam, he added, is indeed an "important country," calling it "a sort of economic miracle in many respects."

The Pope's words in the plane from Mongolia

Pope Francis himself had spoken about the possibility of a trip to the southeast Asian country, on his return from the September trip to Mongolia: "If I don't go, for sure John XXIV will go," the Pontiff said in a joke. "It is certain that he will be there, because it is a land that deserves to go, and that has my sympathy."

All of Vietnam, the Pope added on the same occasion, "is one of the very beautiful experiences of dialogue that the Church has had in recent times. I would say it is like sympathy in dialogue. Both sides have had the good will to understand each other and to seek ways forward. There have been problems, but in Vietnam, I see that sooner or later, problems will be overcome."

Pope Francis also recalled his audience with the President ("We spoke freely") and said he was "very positive" about the continuation of relations: "Good work has been going on for years. I remember four years ago, a group of Vietnamese parliamentarians came to visit. We had a nice dialogue with them, which was very respectful. When a culture is open, there is the possibility of dialogue, if there is closure or suspicion, dialogue is very difficult."

"With Vietnam, the dialogue is open, with its pluses and minuses, but it is open, and we slowly move forward. There have been some problems, but they have been resolved."

The Pope's letter to the Vietnamese Church

Relations between Vietnam and the Holy See broke down in 1975 but have seen encouraging developments since 1990.

In 2011, Benedict XVI appointed a non-resident papal representative. In 2023, however, the statute for a resident representative, as mentioned above.

Last September, Pope Francis sent a letter to the Church of the Asian nation, in which he invited the Catholic faithful to live as "good Christians and good citizens," bearing witness to God's love "without distinction of religion, race, or culture." We must always go forward "recognising convergences and respecting differences," the Pope wrote again.

This also entails a responsibility for Vietnamese Catholics who, as Pope Francis observed, realise their identity as good Christians and good citizens" both by animating their Church and spreading the Gospel in their daily lives. A witness that through the development of "favourable conditions for the exercise of religious freedom" can help the Catholic faithful to "promote dialogue and generate hope for the country."

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

The growing and improving relationship between Vietnam and Catholic Church

Vietnamese President xVõ Văn Thưởng meeting the Vietnamese bishops in Ho Chi Minh City

CHURCH

Vietnam's president meets with Catholic bishops in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong visits the headquarters of the national Bishops' Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, confirming the new course of relations between the Holy See and the Asian nation.

By Lisa Zengarini

On Monday, 7 August, the President of Vietnam, Vo Van Thuong, met with the country's Bishops' Conference at its headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City.

The visit came in the wake of his audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican and of the signing of the landmark Agreement on the Status of the Resident Papal Representative and the Office of the Resident Papal Representative in Viet Nam, on July 27.

The meeting lasted more than an hour, from 11:00 to 12:25 and was attended by ten Government officials and nine Vietnamese bishops, including the president, Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Năng of Ho Chi Minh City, along with five priests and two religious.

The bishops expressed their satisfaction with the talks, which they described as “open and sincere”.

President’s appreciation for work of Church and Pope Francis

For his part, President Van Thuong acknowledged the contribution and service offered by the Catholic Church to Vietnamese society, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He then spoke of his recent visit to Europe, and in particular to the Vatican on 27 July. He said he was impressed by his meeting with Pope Francis, specifically by the fact that the audience lasted longer than expected, and by the Holy Fathers’ words on human fraternity which the President greatly appreciated, stating that Vietnam is proceeding in this direction.

He also expressed his appreciation for the Pope’s words on the need to listen to others by putting oneself in other people’s position so as to understand them better.

Father Đào Nguyên Vũ, head of the Secretariat of the Vietnamese Bishops' Conference, then presented the activities of the Church in the country by offering an overview of Catholic institutions in Vietnam and detaling that that the Church in Vietnam only runs nursery schools, but no other educational institution. The President assured that he will consider the matter.

For his part, the president of the Vietnamese Bishops' Conference congratulated the Vietnamese head of State over the success of his visit to Europe.

Archbishop Nguyễn Năng also spoke of the work of the Catholic Church at the service of the country.

Finally, the bishops honoured President Van Thuong with two gifts: a picture of him and his wife with Pope Francis during the audience and the Encyclical 'Fratelli Tutti' translated into Vietnamese.

Viet Nam-Holy See relations

During the Vietnamese President’s recent official visit to the Vatican the two parties expressed great appreciation for the significant progress of bilateral relations and for the positive contributions offered so far by the country's Catholic community.

Relations between the Holy See and Vietnam had been interrupted in 1975, but have seen encouraging developments since 1990, a year after the then President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, late Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, was able to make an official visit to Vietnam the first of a series.

A new beginning

Relations further improved after then Prime Minister Nguyên Tân Dung met with Pope Benedict in 2007, marking the first official visit to the Vatican of a Vietnamese head of government in over thirty years. That visit was followed by that of then President Nguyen Minh-Triet on 11 December 2009, which resulted in the establishment of a Viet Nam-Holy See Joint Working Group.

The Working Group paved the way in 2011 to the appointment by Pope Benedict XVI of a non-resident papal representative based in Singapore (currently Monsignor Marek Zalewski) who has since been authorized to make periodic visits to the country.

The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, described the recent Holy See-Viet Nam agreement as "not just a finishing line" but a "new beginning, in their relations under the sign of mutual respect and mutual trust."

Catholics in Vietnam account for around 9 percent of the population, making Catholicism the second-largest religious group after Buddhists, which represent half the population.

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