New Episcopal Appointments Announced for Vietnam

(RV - 25 July 09) Pope Benedict XVI appointed several news bishops today.

Bishop Charles Philip Richard Moth has been nominated Archbishop of the Military Ordinate of Great Britain, and Bishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo has been nominated Co-adjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia.

Pope Benedict XVI also appointed four new bishops for Vietnam. Monsignor Joseph Vu Duy Thong has been nominated Bishop of the Diocese of Phan Thiet, Monsignor Pierre Nguyen Van De has been nominated Bishop of Diocese of Thai Binh, Rev. Joseph Nguyen Nang has been nominated Bishop of the Diocese of Phat Diem, and Thomas Vu Dinh Heu has been nominated Auxiliary Bishop of Xuan Loc.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Pham Minh Man, Archbishop of Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam, says that being a good Catholic means being a good citizen. His comments are carried in a statement published on the Vietnamese Bishops Conference website, detailing their recent ad limina visit to Rome.

The Holy See and the Communist Government in Vietnam do not have formal diplomatic relations. However, there have been meetings between delegations including a visit by Vietnam's Prime Minister to the Vatican to be received by Pope Benedict XVI on January 25, 2007.

There are over 5 and a half million Catholics in Vietnam and as Aid to The Church in Need spokesman John Newton points out, one of the principal challenges facing the young Church there is finding places to worship.