Francis' funeral serves as an inspiration to Vietnamese Catholics

Faithful in Vietnam say event has made them want to 'reach out' in love and mercy like the late pope

Apr 29, 2025

HANOI: Vietnamese Catholics and non-Catholics alike have paid tribute to Pope Francis, whose funeral on April 26 left a lasting impression across the communist-ruled country.

Simon Hoang Bao Long, a 28-year-old Catholic from Hue, followed the solemn ceremony on his mobile phone.

"I was deeply moved to see hundreds of thousands attend the funeral in such an orderly and dignified fashion, grieving for the common father of our Church," he said. 

Long was especially struck by the sight of dozens of world leaders standing respectfully under the scorching sun, paying their last respects.

"Seeing the vast crowd mourning the pope showed me how deeply he was cherished," Long said, his voice breaking.

"Inside a simple, small coffin lay a giant heart that served everyone, regardless of their faith. He was truly a pope for the poor and a living witness to the Christian faith."

Since Pope Francis died on April 21, Long has attended Mass daily to pray for the late pontiff and has shared Vatican News funeral coverage with dozens of friends and relatives, including non-Catholics.

"I explained to them that although he left behind only US$100, his heart was rich with love," he said.

"He invited us all to reach out to others with mercy, forgiveness, and compassion — virtues sorely missing in our world today."

Reflecting on his own past mistakes, he recalled reporting a college roommate who had stolen his laptop and bicycle years ago, leading to the friend's arrest and expulsion.

"Now I regret my actions," Long said. "I should have forgiven him, following the pope’s example."

Inspired by Pope Francis, Long vowed to change his outlook and embrace a spirit of humility and forgiveness.

At a café in Hue, Tran Tien Trung, a 27-year-old Buddhist, also watched the funeral on his phone along with several other customers.

"The pope, who shepherded 1.4 billion Catholics, had the gentleness of a father and treated the marginalized as his own children," Trung said.

He added that Pope Francis' humility had profoundly impacted him, inspiring a simpler, more compassionate life rather than chasing wealth and status.

Cecilia Le Uyen Phuong, a 25-year-old reporter for a local newspaper, observed that the funeral brought people closer together.

She highlighted the symbolic meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met briefly before the funeral.

"This side event underscored how Pope Francis was a bridge for peace and dialogue among nations," Phuong said.

"The pope’s humble way of life encourages young people like me to live responsibly, generously, and with a focus on human dignity, rather than chasing after selfish pleasures," she added.

Huong Tram, head of the Dialogue Department at the Tien Thien Cao Dai Institute, led a delegation to offer incense and condolences at the office of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City on April 26.

"Pope Francis devoted his life wholeheartedly to God and humanity, always highlighting charity, humility, and interfaith dialogue," the follower of the indigenous Cao Dai faith said.

His tireless efforts to build peace, advocate for justice, and defend the vulnerable have "left a deep mark on believers around the world, including our Cao Dai followers," she added.

“As the world continues to mourn, Francis' legacy serves as a shining example for all those who seek to live lives rooted in service, compassion, and peace,” she noted.--ucanews.com