The Vatican and Vietnam on Thursday, July 27, have reached a definitive agreement to install a “Resident Papal Representative” in Hanoi.
In a joint statement, both parties expressed the “desire to continue advancing bilateral relations,” adding that the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Holy See concluded the “Agreement on the Status of the Resident Papal Representative and the Office of the Resident Papal Representative in Vietnam”.
The announcement was made after Pope Francis had a private meeting with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong in Rome, according to a Vatican News report.
The meeting came as a result of the 10th Session of the Joint Working Group between Vietnam and the Holy See, which took place on 31 March 2023 in the Vatican.
During the meeting with Pope Francis and Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, President Vo Van Thuong and the Vatican representatives expressed their appreciation for the progress made in strengthening the bilateral relations of the two States.
The parties also recognized the valuable contributions of the Catholic community in Vietnam to the nation’s development, inspired by the teachings of the Church’s Magisterium.
The Resident Papal Representative is expected to play a crucial role in providing support and guidance to the Vietnamese Catholic community, fostering its mission of accompanying the nation and contributing to the overall progress of the country.
This new appointment is seen as a positive step towards promoting dialogue and cooperation between Vietnam and the Holy See on various matters of mutual interest.
