Roman Catholicism in Vietnam

The Roman Catholic Church in Vietnam is part of the global Catholic Church, guided by the spiritual leadership of the Pope and the curia in Rome. As of 2025, Vietnam ranks fifth in terms of the largest Catholic population in Asia, following the Philippines, India, China, and Indonesia. According to the Catholic Hierarchy Catalog, there are approximately 6,726,000 Catholics in Vietnam, which represents about 7.03% of the total population.
Kien Lao Church, Nam Dinh Province. Photo: @catalin_chitu_22_photography

Vietnam is home to 26 dioceses, including three archdioceses, comprising a total of 2,328 parishes and around 2,746 priests. The three archdioceses are situated in Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City. Catholicism was introduced to Vietnam in the early 16th century by missionaries from Portugal, but it gained significant traction only after the arrival of Jesuits in the early 17th century, who played an essential role in embedding Christianity within Vietnamese culture.

Core beliefs and practices of Catholicism in Vietnam include the belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, the "threefold ordained ministry" of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, and the view that the Church serves as the vessel and deposit of the fullness of Jesus' and the Apostles' teachings, from which the Scriptures emerged. Additionally, adherents engage in worship using sacred images, candles, vestments, music, and often incense and holy water. Veneration of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a significant aspect, along with the veneration of saints, reflecting many traditions of universal Catholic practice.
St Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi. Photo: @tony.hughese.3720

If you are a Catholic wishing to practice your faith, Vietnam boasts a considerable number of churches throughout the country. In Hanoi, the most renowned and largest church is St Joseph's Cathedral, often referred to as the Big Church. It is situated on Nha Chung Street, a brief walk from Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi, with architectural designs resembling those of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Other notable churches in Hanoi include Cua Bac Church and Ham Long Church.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: @akatstory

In Phat Diem Town, located in Ninh Binh Province, you will find the remarkable Phat Diem Church, known for its unique structure built entirely of stone and wood. In central Vietnam, the historic Phu Cam Cathedral in Hue City is celebrated for its architectural beauty and age. Traveling south to Ho Chi Minh City, the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (officially named the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica) remains the largest and most impressive church in the area, featuring two soaring bell towers that reach 60 meters in height and attracting thousands of visitors each year.