Pope sends condolences after passing of Vietnamese President

In his telegramme to the Acting President of the Socialist State of Vietnam, Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, the Holy Father says he was saddened to learn of the death of His Excellency Tran Dai Quang, President of Vietnam.

He also offers the people of Vietnam his condolences, together with the assurance of his prayers for those who grieve the passing of the President.

Upon all the citizens of Vietnam and especially the members of the late President’s family, he writes, I invoke the divine blessings of consolation and peace.

The President passed away on Friday after a serious illness. He was 61.

His last public appearance was on Wednesday at a Politburo meeting of the ruling Communist Party.

Mr Quang was sworn into office in the country in 2016, following his post as public security minister.

Read the Pope’s telegramme in English

Her Excellency Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh

Acting President of the Socialist State of Vietnam

I was saddened to learn of the death of His Excellency Tran Dai Quang, President of Vietnam, and I wish to offer you and all the people of Vietnam my condolences, together with the assurance of my prayers for those who grieve the passing of the President. Upon all the citizens of Vietnam and especially the members of the late President’s family, I invoke the divine blessings of consolation and peace.

Franciscus PP.