Pursuing a consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development, and promoting diversification and multilateralization, the Communist Party of Vietnam emphasizes that the country is a trusted friend and partner to nations worldwide, as well as a responsible member of the international community.

Within this framework, Vietnam attaches great importance to fostering relations with the Holy See, based on mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, contributing to global peace, cooperation, and development.

The following article provides an overview of the progress in Vietnam - Vatican relations:

The development of Vietnam - Vatican relations

On September 2, 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was established as the first people's democratic state in Southeast Asia. Vietnam gained independence and sovereignty, with broad international recognition and diplomatic relations quickly following.

Throughout the nation's development, the Vietnamese government has respected the people's freedom of belief and religion, including the Catholic Church, as outlined in Presidential Decree 234/SL dated June 14, 1955: “Specifically regarding Catholicism, religious relations between the Vietnamese Church and the Holy See of Rome are considered internal matters of the Church.”

Although there were no official diplomatic ties, during Vietnam's just resistance against American intervention, the Holy See engaged with both the Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

On February 14, 1973, Pope Paul VI formally received Foreign Minister Xuan Thuy. During the meeting, the Pope praised the Provisional Revolutionary Government’s efforts toward national reconciliation.

After the victory of April 30, 1975, which resulted in Vietnam’s full reunification and independence, the Holy See’s Apostolic Delegate left Vietnam. There were still no official relations between the Vietnamese government and the Vatican, although religious ties between the Vietnamese Catholic Church and the Vatican were permitted, in a manner that respected both religious freedom and national sovereignty.

With Vietnam’s Doi Moi (Renewal) era and a new policy of expanding international exchanges, in July 1989, with government approval, a Vatican delegation led by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, made its first official visit to Vietnam. The delegation met with the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and visited several dioceses.

From November 1990 to 2008, Vietnam and the Vatican held 17 rounds of meetings (two in the Vatican in 1992 and 2005, and 15 in Vietnam). These meetings primarily discussed matters relating to the Vietnamese Catholic Church and issues of mutual concern.

During discussions, including the 2007 meeting led by Monsignor Pietro Parolin, then Undersecretary for Relations with States, the Vatican proposed establishing formal relations.

Negotiations on Vietnam - Vatican relations

Following the Vatican’s proposal, in 2008, the Vietnamese government agreed to the establishment of the Vietnam - Vatican Joint Working Group to discuss diplomatic ties.

The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security, the Government Office, and the Committee for Religious Affairs to form the Joint Working Group. To date, 11 rounds of negotiations have been held, achieving significant progress.

At these meetings, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to religious freedom and support for Catholic activities, while discussions covered the appointment of non-resident special envoys and the future elevation to resident representatives.

In 2011, the Vietnamese government approved the Vatican’s request to appoint a non-resident special envoy, tasked with promoting relations between the Holy See and both the Vietnamese government and Catholic Church.

On January 13, 2011, the Holy See appointed Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore, as the first non-resident special envoy to Vietnam. In September 2017, he was reassigned to serve as Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine.

During his tenure (2011-2017), Archbishop Girelli made 109 pastoral visits across Vietnam, visiting 63 provinces, 26 dioceses, and many parishes, religious orders, and seminaries.

In August 2018, the Holy See appointed Archbishop Marek Zalewski, formerly Apostolic Nuncio to Zimbabwe, as the new non-resident special envoy to Vietnam.

At the 10th meeting of the Joint Working Group in April 2023 at the Vatican, both sides essentially agreed on the working regulations for the resident representative and office in Vietnam, detailing appointment procedures, roles, benefits, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

In July 2023, Vietnam and the Vatican officially upgraded their relations with the appointment of a resident representative.

In January 2024, the Vietnamese government formally approved the Vatican’s request to establish a Resident Representative Office in Hanoi.

This elevation reflects the mutual goodwill, respect for institutional differences, and a shared commitment to peace, development, and prosperity, both nationally and internationally.

Pope Francis' role in promoting relations

During his papacy, Pope Francis has warmly welcomed many senior Vietnamese leaders, including the Chairman of the National Assembly (March 2014), the Prime Minister (October 2014), the President (2016), and other officials.

Pope Francis has expressed deep affection for Vietnam: "The Vietnamese people have always been in my heart. From my youth in Buenos Aires, I followed the brave and resilient struggles of the Vietnamese people. I admire Vietnam’s greatness. The Catholic Church wants to accompany the government and people of Vietnam in building a prosperous, free, and happy life."

Pope Francis affirmed the Church’s desire to accompany Vietnam’s development, contributing to national progress and societal well-being.

The meeting between Vietnamese leaders and Pope Francis on July 27, 2023, marked a major turning point, culminating in the approval of regulations for the Resident Representative Office  -  a milestone reflecting a spirit of respect, cooperation, and mutual understanding.

On September 8, 2023, marking his tenth year as Pope, Francis sent a letter to the Catholic Church of Vietnam.

In his message, he emphasized continuing the path of being "good Catholics and good citizens," upholding the spirit of the 1980 Pastoral Letter of the Vietnamese Bishops' Conference, and contributing to national development.

Pope Francis encouraged the Vietnamese Catholic community to maintain its tradition of charity and social service, especially highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Catholics played active roles in healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid.

This has created a beautiful image of the Vietnamese Catholic Church within the nation, providing a foundation for further enhancing Vietnam - Vatican relations, and for Vietnamese leaders to extend an invitation to Pope Francis to visit Vietnam.

Pope Francis has shown profound affection for Vietnam, receiving Vietnamese leaders with great warmth.

Through these meetings and exchanges, Vatican officials have gained a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s society, culture, history, and achievements, fostering trust and friendship.

It is clear that dialogue is the most appropriate method for building mutual understanding, resolving differences, and strengthening the evolving relationship between Vietnam and the Holy See.

Dr. Dao Thi Duom