Pope Leo XIV says he 'truly wishes' to visit Vietnam
Pope Leo XIV receives Võ Th? Ánh Xuân, the vice-president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in the Vatican, on June 30. (Photo: Vatican Media)
By Alex Hoang
In a significant diplomatic and pastoral moment, Pope Leo XIV met with Vietnamese Vice President Võ Th? Ánh Xuân on June 30 and openly expressed his strong personal desire to visit Vietnam 'in the near future.'The statement, made during an official audience at the Apostolic Palace, has sparked hope and excitement among Vietnamese Catholics, many of whom have long yearned for such a possibility.
This marks the clearest sign yet of a future papal visit to Vietnam — an idea once considered impossible.
The pope's declaration was made during a 45-minute meeting, during which he warmly welcomed Xuân and her delegation. Pope Leo told the Vietnamese vice president that he 'truly wishes' to travel to Vietnam and meet with the faithful in person.
In response, Xuân extended a formal invitation on behalf of the Vietnamese government, saying the country would be honored to welcome the pope 'in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect.'
This is the first time a reigning pope has publicly expressed the desire to visit Vietnam during a high-level diplomatic meeting, signaling a potential turning point in Vatican–Vietnam relations and igniting a wave of hope across the country.
A dream of millions
For generations of Vietnamese Catholics, the hope of a papal visit has remained unfulfilled — until now, when that hope seems within reach.
Across Vietnam, where Catholics make up about 7 percent of the population (roughly 6 million people), news of the pope's interest in visiting them has been met with joy and anticipation.
'Just ten years ago, the idea of a pope visiting Vietnam felt like nothing more than a distant dream. But today, it has never seemed more real. With God, nothing is impossible — thanks be to Him,' said John Tr?n Minh, a lay leader of a small rural sub-parish.
Catholics on social media quickly shared the news, with many noting the emotional weight of the pope's choice of words. 'He doesn't just agree to come — he wants to. That means everything,' wrote one young Catholic from Ho Chi Minh City on Facebook.
Many have compared the potential trip to Pope John Paul II's historic visits to Eastern Europe, which helped heal political divisions and empowered local churches during critical times of transition.
Although Vietnam and the Holy See haven't established full diplomatic relations yet, their relationship has grown steadily over the past two decades.
In 2009, a Joint Working Group was established to maintain the dialogue between the two parties. Then, in 2011, the Vatican appointed a non-resident representative to Vietnam—a small but significant step forward.
More recently, in 2023, that position was upgraded to a resident papal representative based in Hanoi, a move that many observers viewed as a significant breakthrough.
These efforts have helped build trust.
During her visit to the Vatican, Xuân also met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States of the Vatican. She reaffirmed Vietnam's willingness to support the work of the Holy See's representative in Hanoi and to keep the dialogue moving forward.
A visit that could make history
If Pope Leo's visit to Vietnam happens, it would be the first time in history that the head of the Catholic Church has set foot in the country. For many Catholics in Vietnam, that would mean the world.
It would be a powerful sign that the Church hasn't forgotten them and that the Holy Father truly wants to be close to his people, wherever they are.
But beyond the symbolism, the visit could also have a real impact.
It would offer encouragement to the local Church, especially in areas such as education, healthcare, and helping the poor. It opens new doors for cooperation between religious communities and public institutions.
The pope's presence could also convey a positive message about religious harmony in a country with diverse faiths.
In a bigger sense, the pope's interest in Vietnam fits with the Vatican's quiet but steady approach to diplomacy in Asia. Rather than relying on big speeches or political statements, the Holy See often builds bridges through relationships, presence, and personal gestures.
That's what makes this moment so important — not just for Vietnam, but for the Church in the region.
Looking ahead
Vietnamese Catholics now wait in prayer and hope that Pope Leo's heartfelt desire will soon become reality. While the Vatican has not confirmed a timeline, both sides have pledged to continue diplomatic discussions through existing channels.
As the universal Church embraces a new era of synodality, Pope Leo's outreach to Vietnam sends a clear and moving message: no community is too distant, and no people are forgotten.
'His Holiness wants to come. That alone is a grace,' said one nun in Hanoi. 'Now, together, we prepare our hearts to welcome him.'--ucanews.com
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