Many churches in Hanoi held Easter Mass on Sunday morning.

Hanoi Archbishop Phero Nguyen Van Nhon said Easter mass at the cathedral in the capital, which for the first time, was held in the presence of a dignitary from the Vatican, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, non-resident representative of the Holy See to Vietnam.

During the ceremony, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli emphasised the significance of Easter, which marks a new life – a life of hope and love, and called on parishioners to share their hopes and love with others.

He said he was pleased to visit Vietnam for the first time and attend the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus at the capital city’s cathedral and he hopes to have more opportunities to visit the Vietnamese Catholic community.

Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli’s visit illustrates the great developments in Vietnam-Vatican relations, especially after the meetings of the Vietnam-Vatican Joint Working Group, which represented the aspirations and goodwill for cooperation on both sides.

After attending the Mass in Hanoi, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli will take part in the first annual conference of the Vietnam Bishops’ Council in Ho Chi Minh City and visit several local parishes.

Easter (also called Easter Sunday, Resurrection Day or Resurrection Sunday) commemorates Jesus’ return from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion.