Gallagher’s visit marks a significant diplomatic endeavor, as he is the highest-ranking Vatican official to visit Vietnam since diplomatic ties were severed in 1975. The expulsion of the apostolic delegate by Vietnam’s communist government at the end of the war with the United States severed official relations between the two entities.
In recent years, efforts have been made to rekindle diplomatic relations, culminating in Gallagher’s visit, which includes stops in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue. This follows a visit by a Vietnamese delegation to Pope Francis earlier this year.
With approximately six million Catholics, comprising around six percent of the population, Vietnam has extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit the country. Gallagher’s presence in Hanoi aims to iron out the logistical details for such a visit, although no specific date has been set.
During his visit, Gallagher is slated to meet with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and engage in discussions with his Vietnamese counterpart, Bui Thanh Son. Additionally, he plans to lead masses in major churches across the country.
One key focus of the Vatican’s efforts is to encourage greater religious freedom in Vietnam, as enshrined in the country’s constitution. However, rights groups have raised concerns about restrictions on religious freedoms in Vietnam, prompting scrutiny from bodies like the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Vietnamese authorities have rebuffed such allegations, asserting their commitment to religious freedom within the framework of their Marxist ideology, which views religious freedom as the right to believe or not believe without social influence.
While some Vietnamese Catholics express hope for positive change following Gallagher’s visit, others remain skeptical, citing a history of perceived marginalization by the government. Despite recent agreements between Vietnam and the Holy See, including the appointment of a “Resident Papal Representative” last year, doubts persist about substantive improvements for Catholics in the country.
Nevertheless, Gallagher’s visit underscores ongoing efforts to mend diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Vatican, potentially paving the way for a historic visit by Pope Francis and fostering greater religious freedoms in the communist nation.
