Vatican and Vietnam agree on first post-war resident papal representative

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican and Vietnam have reached a definitive agreement for the Holy See to have a Resident Papal Representative in Hanoi, a joint statement said on Thursday, a step that could lead to full diplomatic relations with the communist-run country.

The move, first reported by Reuters on July 16, was announced shortly after Pope Francis received Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong in a private audience.

The joint statement said the two sides wished "to continue advancing bilateral relations."

According to a senior Holy See official, the Vatican has officially but privately also asked China to allow a permanent papal representative in Beijing.

Vatican officials hope that Vietnam's acceptance could help to persuade Beijing to do the same, diplomats told Reuters. — Reuters