HO CHI MINH CITY (UCAN): Archbishop Marek Zalewski, the Holy See’s resident papal representative in Vietnam since 2024, praised local Catholics for their “silent but timely” charity, particularly during the natural disasters that have caused widespread devastation across the country in 2025.
Archbishop Zalewski emphasised that the Church consistently seeks to accompany people during crises. “In times of natural disasters, the Catholic Church always tries to be present as a companion.”
The 62-year-old Polish archbishop—who also serves as apostolic nuncio to Singapore—said one of his priorities is to help the Church in Vietnam strengthen its service to society through charity, education, health care, and care for the poor.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported that floods and storms in 2025 killed 420 people and injured 730 others. Around 352,000 houses were damaged or destroyed, over 541,204 hectares of rice fields and crops were affected, and 5.73 million livestock and poultry perished. Thousands of kilometres of roads, dykes, and canals were damaged, with total losses estimated at more than 99.469 trillion dong [US$3.77 billion].
The nuncio said that through Caritas Vietnam, the Church rapidly mobilises resources from the faithful and benefactors to deliver food, drinking water, clothing, and essential supplies to disaster-affected communities, without discrimination based on religion or background.
After disasters, the Church continues to accompany people during recovery, helping to rebuild homes, schools, and community centres, and supporting livelihoods
Archbishop Marek Zalewski
“This support does not stop at the emergency phase,” he said. “After disasters, the Church continues to accompany people during recovery, helping to rebuild homes, schools, and community centres, and supporting livelihoods.”
Archbishop Zalewski said he was deeply moved by the faith and solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics, especially at the parish level.
“Parishes are not only places of worship, but places where people support one another in daily life,” he told the state-owned ThanhNien newspaper on 21 December 2025.
What stands out most, the archbishop added, is the community’s discreet approach to charity.
“Many good deeds are carried out quietly, without seeking recognition, but they reach the right people at the right time,” he said.
The Vatican envoy stressed that charity is not an optional activity but lies at the heart of Christian life. “This comes from human solidarity,” he said, “and for Christians, from Jesus’ teaching to love everyone without distinction.”
Parishes are not only places of worship, but places where people support one another in daily life
Archbishop Zalewski
Through Caritas and parish-based charitable groups, the Catholic Church in Vietnam provides ongoing support for the poor, orphans, people with disabilities, those living with HIV/AIDS, and other vulnerable groups.
Archbishop Zalewski noted that Vietnam is a religiously diverse society, where different faiths coexist and interact daily. He observed that interfaith solidarity is most visible not in formal dialogue, but in shared action for the common good.
The archbishop expressed hope that followers of all faiths, and those with none, can rediscover the values of love and sharing, especially during difficult times.
“Every person deserves respect and care,” he said. “Together, we can help ensure no one is left behind.”
Government statistics show that Vietnam has 16 state-recognised religions, with 43 religious organisations legally registered. About 95 per cent of the population practises some form of belief or religion to varying degrees.
Father Ignatio Ho Van Xuan, pastor of Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City, said that helping people affected by disasters and hardship is a constant responsibility for Christians.
“Charity is something we do all year,” he said.
