In his letters to both organisations, Chien, who is also Politburo member and Secretary of the Party Central Committee, wrote that the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front is deeply saddened to learn that Pope Francis has passed away, and this is a great loss to the Catholic community globally, as well as to the Vietnam Episcopal Council, and the Catholic community in Vietnam.

On behalf of the VFF Presidium, Chien expressed his deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Vietnam Episcopal Council, the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics, as well as to all bishops, clergy, religious men and women, and the Catholic faithful of Vietnam.

He praised Pope Francis as a religious leader known for his compassion and humility, who tirelessly devoted himself to peace, justice, solidarity, and reconciliation among peoples. The Pope showed deep concern for the poor and marginalised in society and offered encouragement to the Vietnamese Catholic Church to walk in unity with the nation, contributing to building a just, compassionate, and united society.

Under his pastoral guidance, the relationship between the Holy See and the State of Vietnam has been increasingly strengthened through dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect, opening a new phase of cooperation and attachment between the two sides.

The VFF Presidium expresses confidence that, inspired by Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion, humility, and pursuit of peace, the Vietnam Episcopal Council and the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics will continue to guide clergy, religious, and lay Catholics in faithfully implementing his teachings. They will stay united with the nation and actively contribute to building a prosperous, civilised, and happy Vietnam.

Vietnamese leaders express condolences over Pope Francis' passing

VOV.VN - On April 21, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conveyed heartfelt condolences to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin following the death of Pope Francis.