Catholics of Ha Noi archdiocese have given their former archbishop a warm welcome home after his return from the United States following medical treatment.

Archbishop Kiet Joseph Ngo Quang Kiet returned to Vietnam on Aug. 6 after being treated for chronic insomnia. He had been in the US since May 12 and had stepped down as head of the archdiocese because of health problems.

His successor Archbishop Pierre Nguyen Van Nhon, together with Auxiliary Bishop Lawrence Chu Van Minh and a dozen local priests, visited him at a Cistercian abbey in Ninh Binh province on Aug. 9.

“We are very happy that Archbishop Kiet is recovering from his illness,” said Father Joseph Nguyen Khac Que, pastor of Thach Bich parish.

He expressed hope that when Archbishop Kiet makes a full recovery he will be able to help his successor serve the local Church.

Some Catholics believe Vietnamese Church leaders put pressure on the archbishop to resign in order to placate the government.

Authorities had asked for his removal from the capital after he told Catholics in 2007 to pray for the government to return former Church properties.

Antoine Nguyen Dinh Loc, a Catholic from Ha Noi, said he was happy to have the archbishop back home.  “God keep him safe and we will continue to pray daily for his health as we did in the past,” he said.

The 58-year-old archbishop says his health is almost back to normal and asked Catholics to continue praying for his well-being during the time he remains at the abbey.

Related reports
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Ha Noi archbishop was not forced out

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