Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh offers Chrismas greetings to the Catholics in Hue City, Thua Thien Hue while visiting Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Chi Linh of the Catholic Archdiocese of Hueon December 22, 2021. Photo: VGP

Pham wished Archbishop Linh, who is also President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Viet Nam, and Catholic dignitaries, priests and followers a merry and peaceful Christmas and a new year full of health and happiness.

Leaders of the Party and State have paid pre-Christmas visits to convey greetings to Catholic dioceses and churches across the country, the Deputy PM told the Archbishop, which he said demonstrates the attention that the Party and State are giving to religious affairs, particularly Catholic, as well as the consistent policy in ensuring followers’ welfare and facilitating religious activities nationwide.

He applauded Archbishop Linh for calling on both Catholic and non-Catholic people to join the national fight against COVID-19 and praised him for raising 100 billion VND and 6,000 tons of medical equipment for COVID-19 response along with many Catholic monks in the province who had volunteered to become workers in the frontline of the COVID-19 battle.

He hoped that Archbishop Linh, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Viet Nam, and the followers will continue adhering to legal regulations to build a brighter future and a united and stronger Viet Nam.

Archbishop Linh, for his part, expressed his gratitude towards leaders of the Party, State and Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Tri provinces for their gesture. He shared the Government’s concerns in COVID-19 prevention and control and also showed his delight at what the country has achieved today.

Catholic people stay committed to do their best for the common benefits of the country and people, he said.

The Deputy PM later visited Diocese of Phu Cam in Hue City to extend Christmas congratulations./. VNA