Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with the people of Vietnam on the death of their former president Nguyen Phu Trong.
“His Holiness Pope Francis sends condolences to all who mourn his loss, especially his family, together with the assurance of his prayers for their consolation and peace,” read the telegram sent to General To Lam, president of Vietnam.
The telegram was signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State.
Trong was born on April 14, 1944 in Hanoi City.
He became a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam on December 19, 1967. At the time of his death, he was the party’s general secretary, a position he held from January 2011.
Trong was a recipient of various accolades for his contributions to the Communist Party’s revolutionary cause, most notably the Gold Star Order for being a party member for 55 years.
The Holy Father also saluted the former president’s role in fostering and promoting the positive development of relations between Vietnam and the Holy See.
“Pope Francis willingly sends the pledge of his spiritual closeness to your excellency and all your fellow citizens at this time of sorrow for the nation,” the telegram further read.
The Vatican and Vietnam have yet to establish full diplomatic relations, with a working group currently pushing efforts to achieve such a closer relationship.
In July 2023, the two nations reached a landmark agreement, with Vietnam allowing a resident papal representative to open an office in their country.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
