A delegation from the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, led by Minister Nguyen Dinh Khang, visited and worked at the Vatican and in Italy from Sept. 20-25.

During the trip, the delegation had an audience with Pope Leo XIV, paid a courtesy call on the Vatican's Secretariat of State, and held working sessions with the Dicastery for Evangelization, Dicastery for Communication, Vatican Radio and Italy's Ministry of the Interior.

The delegation also met the Association of Vietnamese Religious Orders in Rome, Vietnamese priests working at the Vatican, religious orders and the Phat Diem Guesthouse in Rome. It visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy and several Catholic institutions.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Phuong Anh and representatives of the embassy joined the delegation's activities.

Respect, openness and partnership

During his audience with Pope Leo XIV, Khang thanked the Pope and Vatican agencies for receiving the delegation and conveyed greetings and wishes for good health from Vietnamese Party and state leaders.

The minister outlined the functions and responsibilities of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs in state management of ethnic affairs, beliefs and religions.

He also discussed Vietnam's policies aimed at facilitating religious activities, including those of the Catholic Church, in accordance with the law while enabling religions to preserve their identities and teachings.

According to Khang, Vietnam places importance on promoting the cultural and ethical values, charitable spirit and resources of religions in the country's development.

Khang acknowledged the guidance provided by successive popes and the Holy See to Catholics in Vietnam, saying it has helped encourage Catholic dignitaries, clergy and followers to lead "good secular and religious lives," accompany the nation, and participate in national construction and defense.

Discussing General Secretary and President To Lam's invitation for Pope Leo XIV to visit Vietnam, Khang said such a visit would mark an important milestone in Vietnam-Vatican relations.

On the occasion, Khang presented Pope Leo XIV with a painting of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City.

Pope Leo XIV thanked Khang and expressed his pleasure at the progress in relations between Vietnam and the Holy See, as well as the Catholic Church's contributions to Vietnam's development.

The Pope also expressed his appreciation for the letter from General Secretary and President To Lam and his hope that relations between the two sides would continue to develop positively.

Expanding dialogue and cooperation

During meetings at the Vatican and in Italy, the delegation was received by senior officials, with the two sides holding open discussions on religious life in Vietnam and other issues of mutual interest.

Khang provided information about beliefs, religions and Catholicism in Vietnam, reaffirming the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party and state to respect and protect people's right to freedom of belief and religion in accordance with the law.

Vietnam also encourages religions to promote their positive cultural and ethical values and contribute their resources to national development, he said.

The minister welcomed positive messages and guidance from successive popes concerning Vietnam and highlighted contributions by the Catholic community in social affairs, education, healthcare, charity, humanitarian activities and community development.

According to discussions during the meetings, Pope Leo XIV, officials of Vatican agencies and representatives of Italy's Ministry of the Interior expressed their appreciation for the diversity of religious life in Vietnam and the country's achievements in poverty reduction and improving living standards among ethnic minority communities.

The sides expressed a desire to maintain exchanges and strengthen cooperation between Vietnam's Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and relevant Vatican and Italian agencies.

Vatican officials also emphasized guidance for Catholic dignitaries, clergy and followers to comply with the law, accompany the country and contribute positively to Vietnam's development.

The visit helped strengthen relations between the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and Vatican agencies while expanding cooperation with Italy's Ministry of the Interior in areas of mutual interest.

During the trip, Khang also attended a ceremony marking Vietnam's 81st National Day anniversary, hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy on the evening of Sept. 24.

The event attracted nearly 300 participants, including representatives of the Vatican, the Association of Vietnamese Religious Orders in Rome, the Italian government and parliament, Italy's Ministry of Enterprises, international organizations and the Vietnamese community in Italy.

Sy Hao - Bich Dao