(VOVWORLD) - Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang affirmed Vietnam’s deep appreciation for the role of Pope Francis while speaking to reporters at the regular press briefing on Thursday.
 A portrait of Pope Francis at the Buenos Aires Cathedral. (Photo: AFP) |
Hang said upon receiving the news of the Pope’s passing, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son promptly sent messages of condolence to the Vatican.
 Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang (Photo: VNA) |
Hang said: “We extend our deepest condolences to the Vatican, the global Catholic community, and the Vietnam Catholic Church, both at home and abroad. Vietnam highly values Pope Francis’ contributions to the development of relations between Vietnam and the Vatican, as well as his guidance and encouragement for Vietnamese dignitaries, clergy, and Catholics to contribute to national construction and development.”
On April 21, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, following a period of treatment for severe pneumonia.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, becoming the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pope Francis was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue, peace, and advocacy for the poor, the disadvantaged, and migrants.
He died just one day after Easter, shortly after he made a public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.