Jean-Baptiste Phạm Minh Mẫn

Jean-Baptiste Phạm Minh Mẫn's elevation to the cardinalate in 2003 was a landmark for the Catholic Church in Vietnam, making him one of the few Vietnamese cardinals in history. He participated in two papal conclaves, a rare privilege that underscored his standing among the world's church leaders. His quiet perseverance during years of persecution earned him deep respect both at home and abroad.