Auxiliary Bishop of Vinh diocese Peter Nguyễn Văn Viên and priests of the diocese’s Office welcomed the GCRA delegation.

During the visit, while extending warm celebrations of Easter to Bishop Peter Nguyễn Văn Viên, priests and lay parishioners of Vinh diocese, Chairman of the GCRA Vũ Hoài Bắc highly appreciated important roles of Bishop Alfonso Nguyễn Hữu Long and Bishop Peter Nguyễn Văn Viên in guiding Catholic followers in the diocese to practice the religion in accordance with the law and make practical contributions for socio-economic development of the locality.

The GCRA leader also hared about the visit of the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher to Vietnam, including his meetings with Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn, and Minister of Home Affairs Phạm Thị Thanh Trà. He stated that the Vatican Secretary’s first visit would continue strengthening the progress of the Vietnam and Vatican relations.

For his part, Bishop Peter Nguyễn Văn Viên took the chance to thank the GCRA leader for his due attention extended to Vinh diocese. The Bishop expressed his delight at the fine relation between Vietnam and Vatican and Vietnamese Catholic community would look forward to welcoming Pope Francis to visit Vietnam. He also pledged to promote his role in well guiding local Catholic people to observe State laws and make more contributions for socio-economic development in the locality.

Anh Khôi