Together with millions of Catholics all over the world, Vietnamese Catholics celebrated the Easter Day, one of the most important celebrations of Catholic followers in the year.

Many churches in the capital city of Hanoi held Mass on the morning of April 24.

At the capital’s Cathedral, the Mass was chaired by Hanoi Archbishop Phero Nguyen Van Nhon with the presence for the first time of a dignitary of the Vatican , Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, non-resident representative of the Holy See to Vietnam .

During the ceremony, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli emphasised the significance of the Easter, which marks a new life - the life of hope and love, and called on parishioners to together share hopes and love with others.

He said he was pleased to visit Vietnam for the first time and attend the celebration for the Resurrection of Jesus at the capital city’s Cathedral as well as expressed hope to have more opportunities to visit the Vietnamese Catholic community.

Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli’s visit showed great developments in the Vietnam-Vatican relations, especially after meetings of the Vietnam-Vatican Joint Working Group, and represented the two sides’ aspirations and goodwill for cooperation.

After attending the Mass in Hanoi , Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli will take part in the first annual conference of the Vietnam Bishops’ Council in Ho Chi Minh City and visit several local parishes.

The Easter Day (also called Easter Sunday, Resurrection Day or Resurrection Sunday) is held to commemorate Jesus’ return from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion./.