the vietnamese goverment is widely seen as suspicious of roman catholicism. this mistrust originated during the 19th century, when some catholics collaborated with the french colonists in conquering and ruling the country and in helping french attempts to install catholic emperors, such as in the le van khoi revolt of 1833. furthermore, the catholic church's strongly anti-communist stance has made it an enemy of the vietnam state. the vatican church is officially banned, and only goverment-controlled catholic organisations are permitted. however,the vatican has attempted to negotiate the opening of diplomatic relations vietnam in recent years.