Vatican’s Archbishop Visits Vietnam
The Vatican’s de facto foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday with the aim of easing strained ties between the communist Southeast Asian nation and the Holy See. His visit also aims to pave the way for a potential visit by Pope Francis.
Historic Visit
Archbishop Paul Gallagher’s visit marks a significant moment as he is the most senior official to visit Vietnam since diplomatic relations were severed in 1975. This rupture occurred at the end of the war with the United States when the communist government expelled the apostolic delegate.