Holy See-Vietnam conclude talks

(Feb. 29, 2012) The Joint working group of the Holy See and Vietnam ended its two-day meeting in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi on Tuesday. The third such meeting between the two sides was co-chaired by Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Bui Thanh Son, and Holy See’s delegation was led by Vatican’s Under-Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero. The two parties examined international issues, reviewed progress in the Vietnam-Holy See relationship and discussed issues related to the Catholic Church in Vietnam. The Vietnamese delegation emphasized that Vietnam has always implemented and continually improved the policy to respect and ensure freedom of belief and religion for the people and encouraged the Catholic Church in Vietnam to actively and effectively participate in the current course of national, economic and social development. On its part, the delegation of the Holy See took note of these considerations and expressed appreciation for the attention given by civil authorities to the activities of the Catholic Church, particularly the pastoral visits of the non resident Special Envoy Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli. The Holy See expressed the wish that its role and mission be strengthened and extended, in order to enhance the bonds between the Holy See and the Catholic Church in
Vietnam. Both parties agreed to facilitate the work of Archbishop Girelli, so that he can better fulfil his mission. Both the parties also recalled the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI regarding living the Gospel within the nation and his considerations concerning being a good catholic and a good citizen. Both the sides expressed satisfaction on the progress made and agreed to convene their fourth meeting in the Vatican at a future date.