A Conference dedicated to the figure of Cardinal François Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the death of Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, which falls on September 16, the Dicastero for promoting Integral Human Development promoted a conference dedicated to him entitled “Life, Holiness and Mission.”

The event took place in the Sala Pio XI of Palazzo San Calisto in Rome on September 15, 2022. After the greeting of Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J., Prefect of the Dicastery, the meeting opened with a presentation by the Postulator of the Cause for Beatification, Dr. Waldery Hilgeman. This was followed by three addresses exploring three key aspects of the Venerable Cardinal Văn Thuận: his life, his holiness, and his mission. 

Subsequently, at the headquarters of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Prefect Michael Czerny, S.J., inaugurated a hall dedicated to Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận.

In the afternoon, beginning at 4:30 p.m., Eucharistic adoration was held, followed by Holy Mass at the Church of Santa Maria della Scala.

On the following day, Friday, September 16—the anniversary of Cardinal Văn Thuận’s passing into heaven—a Eucharistic Celebration took place at 9:30 a.m. at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

The Vietnamese Cardinal—who served for four years as President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace  at the turn of the new millennium—was a humble and joyful witness of the Gospel. He was imprisoned for thirteen years, nine of which in solitary confinement, because of his faith and his testimony. In 2017, Pope Francis declared him Venerable Servant of God.