Religious freedom focus of meeting between the Holy See and Vietnam

The Catholic Church "will continue to be inspired by the Magisterium of the Church regarding the practice of "living the gospel in the nation". "The meeting took place in an atmosphere of cordiality, frankness and mutual respect".


Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Religious freedom, in particular in reference to the possibility of the Catholic Church to carry out its mission, was the focus of the sixth meeting of the Joint Working Group between Vietnam and the Holy See, held in the Vatican October 24 to 26.

In breaking the news, a statement released at the Vatican speaks of "a broad and deep exchange of views on Viet Nam – Holy See relations, including issues related to the Catholic Church in Viet Nam".

 "The Vietnamese side reiterated the consistent and practical improvement of the legal framework and policies on the promotion and protection of people’s freedom of belief and religion; encouragement and continued facilitation of the active engagement of the Catholic Church in Viet Nam in the national cause of socio-economic development. The Holy See, while reaffirming the freedom of the Church to carry out its mission for the good of the whole of society, expressed appreciation to the Vietnamese Government for the attention given to the needs of the Catholic Church, as recently witnessed through the establishment of the Catholic Institute of Viet Nam, and for the assistance in the organization of important ecclesial ceremonies and events".

"The two sides agreed that the Catholic Church in Viet Nam will continue to be inspired by the Magisterium of the Church regarding the practice of "living the gospel in the nation" and being, at the same time, good Catholics and good citizens. The Holy See reaffirms that Pope Francis has a keen interest in the development of Viet Nam – Holy See relations and it looks forward to the continued and invaluable contribution offered by the Catholic community, in cooperation with other actors in Vietnamese society, and in accordance with the applicable laws, to national development and the promotion of the common good. The two sides acknowledged the progress in Viet Nam – Holy See relations, including regular contacts and consultations, the exchange of high level delegations and frequent pastoral visits to Viet Nam by the Papal Representative and Non-Resident Special Envoy, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli" .

"The meeting took place in an atmosphere of cordiality, frankness and mutual respect. The two sides agreed to maintain constructive dialogue, in a spirit of good will with a view to increasing mutual understanding and further promoting relations between the two sides. They also agreed to convene the 7th Meeting of the Viet Nam – Holy See Joint Working group in Ha Noi. The date of the meeting will be arranged through diplomatic channels”.