(VOVWORLD) - The Party and State always stay consistent to the policy of ensuring and respecting the freedom to religions and belief of all people, including the Catholic community, while creating optimal conditions for the community to practice their religion, President Vo Van Thuong said on Monday during his first visit to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam at its office in Ho Chi Minh City.
 President Vo Van Thuong and Archbishop Giuse Nguyen Nang, HCM city, August 7, 2023. |
Mr. Thuong highlighted the active contributions by Catholics to social welfare, charity, pandemic prevention and control, and the spreading of humanitarian spirit, love and good values.
Briefing the conference on his visit to the Vatican, President Thuong said that he had a meeting with Pope Francis and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican.
He said that during his working session with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the two sides affirmed that the Vietnam-Vatican relationship is growing fruitfully. They also agreed on the Status of the Resident Papal Representative and the Office of the Resident Papal Representative in Vietnam.
Archbishop Giuse Nguyen Nang expressed his impression at the outcomes of the President’s visits to Austria, Italy and the Vatican, saying they have helped enhance the international position and reputation of Vietnam, and bring Vietnam-Vatican ties to a new development period.
The Vietnamese Catholic community is delighted as the Vatican will send its Resident Papal Representative to Vietnam, he said.