Vatican criticises Vietnam

The Vatican has said calls by the government of Vietnam for its Roman Catholic citizens to be more patriotic are not consistent with policies which prevent them making a contribution to society.

A commentary on the Vatican news agency said Vietnam had repeatedly ignored attempts by Catholics to launch charitable health and education projects.

The Vatican also questioned a recent assertion by the new General Secretary of the Communist Party ,Le Kha Phieu, that Vietnam gave religious freedom to all its citizens.

Correspondents say Vietnam's seven-million Catholics are strictly controlled by the Communist authorities.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service