The reforms of the Vietnamese Government of the 1990’s have led to a gradual opening up in Vietnam. This has led to the lessening of restrictions on the Vietnamese Catholic community, which is the second largest in South-East Asia (approximately 5-7 followers most of whom live in the south of the country).
In 1975 following the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule, many restrictions were placed upon the Catholic Church, as it was regarded as a foreign influence.Church services were cancelled, many seminaries were emptied of their trainees and a number of church leaders were sent to Labour camps. The result was a shortage of priests in the country, a situation which left many parishes without a minister to deliver Mass.
The situation in Vietnam is now changing, seminaries now have students again, priests are now free to travel and study overseas and there has been an increase in the number of churches being built.
According to the priest at Phat Diem, Father Peter Phuc, the situation for Vietnamese Catholics has much improved: "In the 1980s, we had a shortage of priests. We felt isolated here. Now I see development; we're building up again."
In December of last year Father Phuc visited Rome for the first time, along with nine other priests from his diocese. However he did not visit the Vatican due to its fragile relationship with Vietnam. The Vietnamese Government does not have diplomatic relations with the Vatican, nor does it accept its power to appoint the clergy.
Relations between the Vatican and Vietnam do seem to be improving however. A senior Vatican emissary was invited to Vietnam last November. Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe led the ordination service of 57 new priests in a full Hanoi Cathedral. While there the Cardinal met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, Vu Khoan.There has been speculation that the visit could well be the first step towards a visit by Pope Benedict XVI. His predecessor John-Paul II attempted to make such a visit himself, but was unable to.
The secretary of the Vietnam Bishop’s Council, Reverend Joseph Dang said of the situation: "Until now, I hadn't dared to dream of this... But there are still many steps to take before any (papal) visit."
