The President 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.

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President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (left) and Joseph Vu Van Thien

He spoke highly of contributions of the Catholic community nationwide, including the Hanoi Archdiocese, to the country’s socio-economic, national defense-security and global integration achievements 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, he 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 CSVC in the morning the same day, Phuc wished that the CSVC would continue disseminating the Party guidelines and State laws among Catholics.

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

Source: VNA