TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) unveiled plans Tuesday (April 22) to dispatch a high-level delegation to attend the funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis, who died at age 88. The island democracy, which maintains official diplomatic relations with just 13 countries worldwide, considers its ties with the Holy See particularly significant as the Vatican remains Taiwan's sole diplomatic ally in Europe.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) directed Taiwan's Vatican embassy to formally convey his personal condolences while ordering flags lowered to half-staff for a two-day mourning period at both the Presidential Office (總統府) and the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has already expressed official sympathies to Stefano Mazzotti, who serves as the Vatican's chargé d'affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature (教廷大使館) in Taipei.
Deputy Foreign Minister François Chihchung Wu (吳志中) separately conveyed the government's condolences to the Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference (台灣天主教主教團), Taiwan's Catholic episcopal leadership body headed by Bishop John Lee Keh-mien (李克勉), underscoring the comprehensive diplomatic response across both governmental and ecclesiastical channels.
During a press briefing, MOFA Spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) highlighted the 83-year diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and the Holy See, noting their ongoing partnership in humanitarian initiatives advancing peace and human rights globally. The ministry reaffirmed Taiwan's dedication to strengthening these historical ties built upon mutual values and principles. Additional details concerning Taiwan's official representation at the papal funeral ceremonies will be released as arrangements are finalized in the coming days. ★
