Vatican and Vietnam Establish Permanent Papal Representative

The Vatican and Vietnam have announced an agreement allowing the Vatican to have a permanent resident papal representative in Vietnam, marking an improvement in relations between the two. This move is considered an intermediary step in diplomatic relations and is seen as a bridge to advance relations between Vietnam and the Holy See. The Catholic community in Vietnam, which makes up about 7.5% of the population, has faced limitations and harassment under the communist regime. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended that Vietnam be designated a "country of particular concern" due to worsening religious freedom conditions.