Receiving the Vietnamese Vice President, Pope Leo XIV noted that despite recently assuming his position, he has been well informed about the positive developments in Vietnam–Vatican relations, particularly the recent elevation of the relationship to the level of the Resident Representative of the Holy See in Vietnam.

The Pope expressed his desire for the two sides to continue strengthening dialogue, especially through the Vietnam–Vatican Joint Working Group mechanism, in order to further advance bilateral relations, meeting the expectations of the Catholic community and serving the mutual interests of both sides.

Xuan, for her part, congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election by the College of Cardinals and affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam highly value and are committed to promoting cooperation with the Holy See.

She praised the guidance and messages of past Popes to the Catholic Church in Vietnam and asked Pope Leo XIV to continue supporting the development of good relations between Vietnam and the Vatican. She also urged him to encourage Vietnamese Catholics to uphold faith and patriotism, live well, and actively contribute to national development in the spirit of unity between the Church and the nation.

On this occasion, the Vice President conveyed an invitation from the Vietnamese leaders for the Pope and senior Vatican officials to visit Vietnam in the near future.

Pope Leo XIV conveyed his strong desire to visit Vietnam as a gesture of closeness to the Vietnamese Catholic Church and faithful, and to further strengthen bilateral ties.

On the same day, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan also held talks with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States.

Xuan briefed her host on the positive outcomes of her meeting with the Pope and suggested that the two sides maintain the effective operation of the Vietnam–Vatican Joint Working Group. She also said she hopes that the Holy See’s Resident Representative in Vietnam will continue to coordinate closely with Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and localities in carrying out his pastoral mission.

Vietnam will continue to facilitate his pastoral visits and activities, she affirmed.

Gallagher congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements and expressed satisfaction with the progress in Vietnam–Vatican relations. He highly appreciated Vietnam’s religious policies and affirmed that the Holy See would continue to work actively to promote bilateral relations and is ready to collaborate with Vietnam in organising high-level visits.

The two sides also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Vietnam sends congratulations to new Pope Leo XIV

State President Luong Cuong on May 10 sent a message of congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on being elected as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.