Pope Leo XIV has paid tribute to the legacy of Cardinal Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Mân, who served as Archbishop emeritus of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Cardinal Pham passed away at the age of 92 on March 22, expressing a lifetime of commitment to the Church in Vietnam.
Pope’s Tribute to Cardinal Pham Minh Mân
In a telegram sent to Archbishop Joseph Nguyên Nãng, the current Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City, Pope Leo XIV offered his heartfelt condolences. He expressed deep sadness over Cardinal Pham’s death, joining the local Church in commending the late Cardinal’s soul to God’s infinite mercy.
Legacy of Service
The Pope highlighted Cardinal Pham’s extensive ministry, which was characterized by:
- Commitment to pastoral care and social responsibility
- Promotion of dialogue and ecclesial unity
- A life exemplifying evangelical simplicity and humility
Pope Leo XIV recalled with gratitude Cardinal Pham’s dedication to the local Churches of My Tho and Ho Chi Minh City, and his contributions to the larger Catholic community in Vietnam.
A Respected Leader
Born on March 5, 1934, in Ca Mau, Vietnam, Cardinal Pham was ordained a priest on May 25, 1965. His early career focused on educating future priests at the Minor Seminary of Beato Quy in Cai Rang.
In 1975, following significant political changes in South Vietnam, the Church faced severe persecution, leading to the closure of seminaries. Despite these challenges, Cardinal Pham dedicated himself to the formation of priests. His efforts led to his appointment as rector of the Seminary of Santo Quy in 1988, where he navigated substantial difficulties, including a shortage of professors.
Elevation to Cardinal
On March 22, 1993, he became the Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of My Tho and was subsequently ordained on August 11. In March 1998, he was appointed as the Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City, a position he held until 2014. His elevation to Cardinal came from Pope Saint John Paul II during the Consistory on October 21, 2003.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV offered an Apostolic Blessing to those mourning Cardinal Pham’s death, providing a sense of consolation and peace during this time of loss.
