Vietnam always facilitates Catholic community’s development, top legislator says during Vatican visit

The meeting took place during Man’s official visit to Italy from April 11 to 15, accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Man thanked the Pope for the warm reception and extended his Easter 2026 greetings and best wishes.

He expressed appreciation for the goodwill shown by the Pope and the Holy See to the Vietnamese people, and spoke highly of the Pope’s messages of peace and contributions to promoting social justice, environmental protection, and care for the poor.

Man said these values align with the aspirations of the Vietnamese people in national construction and defense.

He reaffirmed that the Party and state of Vietnam always create favorable conditions for Catholic compatriots to lead both good secular and religious lives and to uphold the guiding principle of ‘accompanying the nation and staying closely connected with the country.’

Man also shared the positive outcomes of his visit to the Archdiocese of Hanoi on April 5 and noted steady progress in Vietnam–Holy See relations in recent years.

He highlighted growing high-level exchanges, the establishment of the Holy See’s Resident Representative Office in Vietnam, continued dialogue mechanisms and the effective operation of the Vietnam–Vatican Joint Working Group, as well as improvements in the religious life of the Catholic community in the country.

He expressed confidence that the upcoming 13th meeting of the joint working group would help advance efforts to elevate bilateral ties toward full diplomatic relations.

Man called for continued efforts to strengthen mutual trust and understanding, with a view to elevating Vietnam–Holy See relations to a new stage of development for the benefit of both peoples and global peace and prosperity.

He noted that many Catholic dignitaries, clergy, and followers were recently elected to the 16th National Assembly and the People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–31 term.

He added that the Vietnamese legislature continues to improve the legal framework to facilitate religious activities in line with the country’s Constitution and laws.

On this occasion, Man conveyed regards, best wishes, and an invitation from Party General Secretary and State President To Lam to Pope Leo XIV to pay an official visit to Vietnam.

The Pope expressed his thanks and warm sentiments toward Vietnam and said he hopes to visit the country in the near future.

He described Man’s visit, coming just five days after his election, as an important milestone for enhancing mutual understanding and exchanging views on Catholic affairs in Vietnam as well as bilateral relations.

He also thanked Vietnamese authorities for supporting the stable and effective operation of the Holy See’s Resident Papal Representative in Vietnam and called for stronger exchanges to further deepen ties.

On the same day, Man met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, with both sides highlighting growing high-level exchanges that have strengthened mutual trust and laid a solid foundation for bilateral relations.

Man proposed maintaining delegation exchanges and effectively implementing the Joint Working Group mechanism, and extended an invitation from Vietnamese leaders for Parolin to visit Vietnam.

Parolin praised Vietnam’s development achievements and religious policies, and expressed his readiness to visit the country in the near future.