Cardinal Pierre Nguyên Văn Nhon is a retired Vietnames prelate who held numerous leadership roles in the Church and is known for his education and pastoral work.

Born on April 1, 1938, in Đà Lat, Vietnam, Nguyên Văn Nhon began his journey by studying philosophy and theology at Pius X Pontifical College in Đà Lat from 1958 to 1968, culminating in his ordination as a priest on December 21, 1967.

Following his ordination, Nguyên Văn Nhon dedicated himself to education and pastoral work. He taught at the Simon Hòa Minor Seminary for four years before becoming the rector of the Minh Hòa Major Seminary from 1972 to 1975. His pastoral duties expanded as he served as the parish priest of the cathedral for over 15 years, from 1975 to 1991, during which time he also held positions as dean of the deaconry of Đà Lat and vicar general of the diocese.

Nguyên Văn Nhon’s episcopal career began on December 3, 1991, when he was ordained as Coadjutor Bishop of Đà Lat. He became the Bishop of Đà Lat on March 23, 1994, a position he held until 2013. During his tenure as bishop, he took on significant roles within the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam (CBCV), including presiding over the Commission for the Laity from 1992 to 1995 and serving as the CBCV president for two terms from 2007 to 2013.

His leadership in the Church continued to grow as he was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Hanoi on April 22, 2010. Just weeks later, on May 13, 2010, he succeeded Archbishop Joseph Ngô Quang Kiêt as the Archbishop of Hanoi. Nguyên Văn Nhon’s service and dedication to the Church were further recognized when Pope Francis created and proclaimed him cardinal in the consistory of February 15, 2015, assigning him the Title of San Tommaso Apostolo (St. Thomas the Apostle).

In addition to his roles within Vietnam, Cardinal Nguyên Văn Nhon has participated in international Church affairs, including the Synod of Bishops for Asia in 1998. He has also been appointed to serve on important Vatican bodies, such as the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in April 2015.

Cardinal Nguyên Văn Nhon’s tenure as Archbishop of Hanoi concluded on November 17, 2018, when Pope Francis accepted his resignation. Throughout his career, he has been known for his patient approach to leadership, earning him respect both within Vietnam and in the broader Catholic community.