President Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited the Hanoi Archdiocese and the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics today [December 17] ahead of the Christmas and New year holidays.

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc visits the Hanoi Archdiocese. Source: VNA

At the meeting, Phuc extended the wishes from leaders of the Party and State to the Archbishop of Hanoi and Deputy Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Vietnam, Joseph Vu Van Thien, as well as other Catholic dignitaries and followers for a warm, happy and peaceful Christmas season.

According to Phuc, the leadership of the Party, the State, and the active response of the people, including the religious faithful, has led to the successful containment of the Covid-19 pandemic and positive results in socio-economic development.

Phuc highlighted the contribution of the country's Catholic community and the Archbishopric of Hanoi in promoting social welfare, especially in humanitarian works and care for people in difficulty, children with special needs, homeless or autistic.

“This shows the social responsibility of the Catholic community and the spreading of the nation’s tradition of "the healthy leaves that protect tattered ones"," he said.

The State President reiterated the country’s stance of ensuring the citizen’s right to freedom of belief and the lawful rights of religious organizations.

“Such is the foundation to promote national solidarity and development,” Phuc said.

Phuc called on Joseph Vu Van Thien to encourage Catholics to build a strong archdiocese, contributing to the country's overall development.

On the same day, Phuc visited the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics and expressed his appreciation for the organization's active involvement in the patriotism movements, socio-economic development, and poverty reduction.

He called for the committee to encourage religious followers to comply with the regulations of the Party, State, and serve as the bridge between the authorities and Catholic dignitaries, and followers.