Vice President Chen Chien-jen is headed to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis and attend a canonization ceremony for five new Roman Catholic saints. Chen is himself a practicing Roman Catholic.
The Vatican is Taiwan’s sole diplomatic ally in Europe, and Chen’s plans include an inspection of Taiwan’s embassy in the country. He will also visit Taiwanese priests, nuns, and monks, and thank foreign clergy members who have spent time ministering to Taiwanese congregations and serving Taiwanese society.
Before departing late Thursday, Chen said that while in the Vatican, he will present President Tsai’s highest respects and invite Pope Francis to visit Taiwan.
The vice president said that ties between Taiwan and the Vatican are close. He said that in recent years, bilateral efforts to provide humanitarian aid, fight human trafficking, promote cultural exchanges, engage in interfaith dialogue, and encourage sustainability have yielded bountiful results.
He said Taiwan will continue to help the Vatican transmit the ideas of religious freedom, human rights, social justice, world peace, and caring for vulnerable people to every corner of the world.