TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) offered formal condolences Tuesday (April 22) for the death of Pope Francis, directing her administration to convey the city's collective grief to Vatican representatives in Taiwan. The mayor's office confirmed that official sympathies would be sent to the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission to the island.
In her statement, Mayor Lu highlighted Pope Francis's historic significance as the first Latin American pontiff and praised his commitment to humility and advocacy for disadvantaged populations. "His dedication to peace, inclusivity, and love should continue to guide us," the mayor said, concluding with wishes for the pope's peaceful eternal rest and reflecting on his legacy of compassion that resonated globally.
The condolence message came amid growing political tensions in Taiwan, though Mayor Lu sidestepped questions about her potential attendance at an upcoming demonstration organized by Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party. Reporters pressed for her position on the rally planned for Ketagalan Boulevard, the ceremonial avenue in front of the Presidential Office, as well as her stance on Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's controversial no-confidence vote proposal.
When journalists sought her reaction to the "Bring Democracy Back to Taiwan Opposition Leaders Summit" (在野領袖峰會) held earlier in the day between KMT Chairman Chu and Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang, Mayor Lu remained conspicuously silent. The mayor, who belongs to the KMT, briskly retreated into a scheduled meeting, effectively ending the press encounter without addressing the growing opposition coordination against President Lai's administration. ★
