President Phuc wished Joseph Vu Van Thien, Archbishop of the Hanoi Archdiocese and Deputy Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam, Catholic dignitaries and followers a warm and happy Christmas season.

He spoke highly of contributions of the Catholic community nationwide, including the Hanoi Archdiocese, over the past years amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Vietnamese Party and State always ensure citizens’ right to freedom of belief via the Constitution and law, Phuc said, believing that in his role, Joseph Vu Van Thien will continue encouraging Catholics to build a strong archdiocese, contributing to socio-economic development of the country and Hanoi in particular.

Joseph Vu Van Thien expressed his hope that in the near future, the country’s position and stature will further improve on international arena.

At the meeting with the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics (CSVC) on the same day, President Phuc wished that the committee would continue disseminating the Party guidelines and State laws among Catholics.

Priest Joseph Tran Xuan Manh, Chairman of the CSVC Central Committee and part-time Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, wished to receive further support from authorities at all levels so that the CSVC could work more effectively./.

VNA