According to the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City, church bells tolled for 10 minutes at 8:00 p.m. the same day across local parishes in mourning.

Born in 1934 in southern Ca Mau province, Pham Minh Man was ordained a bishop in 1993 and served in the Diocese of My Tho. In 1998, he was appointed Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most prominent Catholic dioceses in Vietnam.

Known for his humility and pastoral closeness, he was regarded as a devoted shepherd who guided the faithful with compassion and a spirit of communion.

In 2003, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II. He was among the few Asian cardinals to participate in two papal conclaves, which elected Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.

He retired in 2014 in accordance with canon law and continued to live a simple life at the Archdiocese. Even in retirement, he remained a respected spiritual figure within the Vietnamese Catholic community.

His passing marks a significant loss for the Catholic Church in Vietnam.

Faithful gather in Hanoi to mourn the passing of Pope Francis

VOV.VN - The faithful from parishes and communities across the Archdiocese of Hanoi are gathering at St. Joseph’s Cathedral on April 24-25 to offer prayers and pay their final respects to the late Pope Francis.