Joseph Nguyễn Năng was born on 24 November 1953 in Phúc Nhạc, Ninh Bình Province.

From 1998 to 2002, he studied at the Pontifical Urban University (Urbaniana) in Rome, earning a degree in dogmatic theology.

[1] On 25 July 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Phát Diệm,[1] the diocese where he was born.

His episcopal consecration was held at the Cathedral of Phát Diệm on 8 September 2009.

[3] On 19 October 2019, Pope Francis appointed him Metropolitan Archdiocese of Hồ Chí Minh City.