Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli’s appointment as non-resident representative of the Holy See to Vietnam and his visit showed a developing relationship between Vietnam and the Vatican.

Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Chairman Le Hoang Quan made the comment during his reception on April 25 for the Archbishop, who is currently in the city for the first annual meeting of the Vietnam Episcopal Council, from April 25 to 29.

The reception saw the presence of Cardinal Pham Minh Man, Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese (HCMCA).

Quan affirmed that municipal authorities always follow the Party and State’s policies on activities of religions and the city’s development is significantly enhanced by religious followers, including Catholics, with many meaningful activities in healthcare and social charity.

The municipal leader spoke highly of the roles of Cardinal Pham Minh Man and HCMCA priests in the national construction and development as well as encouraging local parishioners to fulfil their role as Vietnamese Catholics.
Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli said his visit aims to strengthen ties between the Vatican Holy See and the Vietnamese government.

He said he saw many progresses made by Vietnam with many achievements in improving the people’s lives and expressed his belief that the Vietnam Episcopal Council would provide continued contributions to the development of Vietnam, especially in the fields of education and public health.

Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli arrived in Vietnam on April 18 and will stay in the country till May 1./.