In profound sorrow, Catholics, particularly those of the Archdiocese of Hanoi, extend their heartfelt condolences and continue to pray that the late Holy Father may soon be welcomed into the eternal presence of God.

Visitation and prayer services are being held from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both days, with the faithful uniting in deep reverence and mourning.

Earlier, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam on April 21 held a memorial and mass to pray for the soul of Pope Francis at the Archdiocese of Hue. Bishops from 27 dioceses along with local Catholics attended the mass. The Diocese of Hue placed a portrait of the late Pope in the church for prayer and remembrance.

The Vietnamese Catholic community deeply appreciates Pope Francis’ contributions to promoting interreligious dialogue, protecting the poor, and safeguarding the environment. Although the Pope never visited Vietnam, he made significant progress in improving relations between the Holy See and Vietnam, especially through the signing of the document on the status of the Resident Representative of the Holy See in Vietnam in September 2023.

Pope Francis died on April 21 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

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.