Born in 1937 in Hai Phong, Father Phan Khac Tu was ordained in 1968. He began serving as parish priest of Vuon Xoai Church in 1980 and remained deeply connected to the parish for over three decades. Vuon Xoai was the first Catholic church built in Ho Chi Minh City after the country’s reunification in 1975.

In 2011, he stepped down from his pastoral role at Vuon Xoai but continued to dedicate himself to social and charitable work.

Father Tu was the founder of the Thien Phuoc centers - Thien Phuoc 1 and 2 in Cu Chi, Thien Phuoc 2 in District 12, and Thien Phuoc 3 in District 8 - to care for more than 100 children affected by Agent Orange and other disabilities.

Over his lifetime, he held numerous significant public and social roles, including:

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Labor Federation
Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association for the Support of Disabled Children
Member of the National Assembly (8th, 9th, and 10th tenures)
Member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front
Deputy of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council (from the 1st to 4th term)
Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Central Committee for Catholic Solidarity in Vietnam

Since 2009, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Catholicism and Nation Newspaper and was the Honorary Chairman of the Catholic Solidarity Committee in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Catholicism and Nation Newspaper, Father Phero Phan Khac Tu made tireless contributions to national unity, serving as a bridge between the Church and society.

He played a key role in helping resolve complex issues and facilitated understanding between the government and the Catholic community.

With his humility, openness, and collaborative spirit, Father Tu left a profound legacy in the hearts of parishioners and the people of Ho Chi Minh City.

Xuan Ngoc