TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin announced Tuesday (May 21) the Vatican's intention to establish a permanent office in China. This development marks a major upgrade in the relationship between the Vatican and China, coinciding with President Lai Ching-te's recent inauguration.
President Lai, accompanied by Secretary-General to the President Pan Meng-an and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, welcomed Archbishop Charles John Brown, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, in the afternoon.
President Lai thanked Archbishop Brown for attending his and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's inauguration ceremony as the Pope's special envoy. Lai highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Taiwan and the Vatican through mutual visits at various levels.
He also noted Taiwan's commitment to international humanitarian efforts in response to Pope Francis's call to work alongside the Vatican to contribute more to the global community.
The relationship between the Vatican and China has historically been a concern. However, Pope Francis has prioritized normalizing relations based on the landmark provisional agreement on bishop appointments in 2018.
Parolin suggested that the Vatican could devise a new diplomatic strategy to further this goal, noting the Vatican's success in appointing a Papal representative in Vietnam, another communist country without formal diplomatic ties with the Holy See.
The Vatican also hosted the "First Centenary Seminar of the Chinese Bishops' Conference" on Tuesday (May 21), inviting several senior Chinese bishops in a rare move. Pope Francis emphasized that the Catholic Church in China is now in "communion" with the Roman Church, stressing that the Church's mission in China is to spread the Gospel, not to colonize.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wen-bin responded positively to the Vatican's overtures, stating that the Vatican's blessings reflect friendship and goodwill.
Wang highlighted the ongoing communication between China and the Vatican, expressing China's willingness to continue constructive dialogue, enhance understanding, build mutual trust, and further improve bilateral relations.
This diplomatic endeavor follows Pope Francis's visit to Mongolia in September 2023, which analysts speculated might be an attempt to use Mongolia as a mediator between the Vatican, China, and Russia. The Vatican's efforts to establish a permanent presence in China could pave the way for a new era of diplomatic and religious engagement in the region.
