Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "The meeting at the Vatican between Pope Francis and the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Tan Dung, strengthens our hopes in the future to see full diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Vietnam": says to Fides Agency the Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City, His Exc. Mgr. Paul Bui Van Doc, who participated in the Synod of Bishops. "We do not know what the future holds, but we pray and hope to overcome difficulties and to restore diplomatic ties" said the Archbishop, recalling, among the good signs and good prospects the fact that "the Church has taken the initiative to establish a theological Institute in Vietnam, at university level, and has found open doors among governmental authorities".
During his stay for the session of the Synod, which has just ended, the Archbishop said: "It was a wonderful experience, we experienced the true freedom of the children of God. I bring to Vietnam the experience of the Church as a mother who welcomes her children with mercy; and as a teacher, who listens, prays, accompanies her children in search of the truth". Above all, he concludes, "the Pope teaches us, with his example and his moving testimony, to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit that brings news and opens our hearts". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/10/2014)
