Key Facts
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that former Vice President Chen Chien-jen will attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. Initially, Taiwan had proposed President Lai Ching-te’s attendance, but the Vatican reportedly declined, likely out of consideration for its relationship with China.
Chen Chien-jen, who has met Pope Francis six times, was chosen as Taiwan’s special envoy following discussions with the Vatican. The decision reflects the ongoing diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and the Holy See, which remains the only European state to maintain formal ties with Taiwan. In the past, Taiwan’s leaders have participated in significant Vatican events, such as the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, attended by then-President Chen Shui-bian, and the 2013 inauguration of Pope Francis, attended by then-President Ma Ying-jeou.
According to Taiwanese media, the Vatican’s decision to decline President Lai’s attendance aligns with Pope Francis’s efforts during his tenure to improve relations between the Vatican and China. This diplomatic sensitivity underscores the complex dynamics between the Holy See, Taiwan, and China.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its commitment to strengthening ties with the Vatican and promoting universal values such as religious freedom. The ministry stated that it will continue to deepen its relationship with the Holy See, which plays a significant role in global religious and diplomatic affairs.
For further details, visit the original article: Taiwan’s Former Vice President to Attend Pope Francis’s Funeral.
Summary
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that former Vice President Chen Chien-jen will represent Taiwan at the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The initial proposal for President Lai Ching-te to attend was reportedly declined by the Vatican, likely due to its diplomatic considerations regarding China.
Chen Chien-jen, who has met Pope Francis six times, was selected as Taiwan’s special envoy after discussions with the Vatican. This decision highlights the unique diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and the Holy See, the only European state maintaining formal ties with Taiwan. Historically, Taiwan’s leaders have attended significant Vatican events, such as the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005 and Pope Francis’s inauguration in 2013.
Taiwanese media suggest that the Vatican’s decision aligns with Pope Francis’s efforts to improve relations with China during his tenure. This reflects the delicate balance in the Vatican’s diplomatic engagements with Taiwan and China.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Vatican and promoting universal values like religious freedom. Taiwan aims to deepen its relationship with the Holy See, which plays a vital role in global religious and diplomatic affairs.
For more details, visit the original article: Taiwan’s Former Vice President to Attend Pope Francis’s Funeral.
