The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on Tuesday that it believes the Vatican will value its ties with Taiwan and the feelings of the Taiwanese people as it builds relations with China. The Vatican and China currently do not have diplomatic relations.
Foreign media have been reporting that after his US trip, Pope Francis is considering which country to visit next. Pope Francis said on his flight back to Rome that it would be a joy to visit China.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Eleanor Wang said Taiwan’s relations with the Vatican have a long history. President Ma Ying-jeou, Vice President Wu Den-yih, and Foreign Minister David Lin have been invited to the Vatican and were given warm hospitality.
The ministry said the Vatican would like to have dialogue with China and promote religious freedom there but it believes that it will also value its relations with Taiwan.