The Vatican and Pope Francis always wish that relations between the Vatican and Vietnam will increasingly develop, Under-Secretary for Relations with States Antoine Camilleri has said.



Pope Francis (C) takes photo with Vietnamese delegation


He made the remark while co-chairing the sixth meeting of the Vietnam – Holy See Joint Working Group with Vietnamese Standing Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son during the latter’s visit to the Vatican from October 24-26.

Antoine Camilleri thanked the Vietnamese State for its attention given to the Catholic Church in the country and appreciated the Vietnamese authorities for making it easier for the Vatican’s Non-Resident Special Envoy to conduct visits to Vietnam.

The Vatican hopes that the Vietnamese Catholic community will promote the practice of “living the Gospel in the nation” and be good Catholics and good citizens, while seriously abiding by the State law and taking an active part in the cause of national development.

Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son confirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State have incessantly improved the legal system and consistently implemented policies of ensuring freedom of belief and religion among people.

The Vietnamese authorities at all levels always take care of the needs of the Catholic Church and facilitate its activities as well as work to improve the living standards of Catholics, especially those in disadvantaged areas.

The diplomat said the relations between Vietnam and the Vatican have seen positive developments in recent years thanks to many high-level meetings and the maintenance of the regular exchange mechanism.

He suggested the Vatican and the Non-Resident Special Envoy encourage the Vietnamese Catholic Church lead a good life and make active contributions to the socio-economic development in the country and each locality.

During his working visit to the Vatican, Deputy FM Son met with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

Pietro Parolin recalled his good memories in his previous visit to Vietnam and expressed his hope that the two sides will push ahead with cooperation to promote their relations.

Meanwhile, Paul Gallagher welcomed the discussion of the two sides at the 6 th joint working session.

Son said he hopes the cardinal and the archbishop will make more pragmatic contributions to the development of the bilateral rapports.-VNA