_WORLD WATCH______________________________
________________Vietnam_______________
A small step forward
Three bishops gain government approval
Pope John Paul II has named three new bishops for Vietnam. Since the Communist government of that nation reserves the right to approve episcopal nominations, the Vatican announcement signals a step forward in relations, although restraints on religious freedom—and on the ability of the Holy See to fill episcopal vacancies—remain considerable.
During a visit to Vietnam in June, a Vatican delegation presented a list of candidates for episcopal appointments. The government approved three names, rejecting all others. Because of the government’s refusal to cooperate in such appointments, the Church is facing a severe shortage of bishops in the Asian country, with many dioceses being served by elderly bishops, and others having no bishop at all.
In July, however, the Vatican announced the appointments of new bishops in the dioceses of Bui Chu and Phan Thiet. More important vacancies in cities such as Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) remain. The Vietnamese government has repeatedly rejected the Vatican’s proposed appointments there.
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