TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) expressed hope Thursday (April 24) for the continuation of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Vatican, one of the island's few remaining formal allies. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has appointed Chen as Taiwan's special envoy to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City scheduled for Saturday.
Chen departed for Rome late that night, describing his mission as a significant demonstration of the enduring friendship between Taiwan and the Holy See. According to Chen, President Lai specifically instructed him to convey Taiwan's deep respects and to pray that Pope Francis finds eternal peace. Chen added that he hopes the pontiff's spirit will continue to strengthen Taiwan-Vatican diplomatic relations and foster global harmony.
Reflecting on the pontiff's legacy during a brief airport statement, Chen emphasized Pope Francis' profound impact on advancing humanitarian causes, peace initiatives, and universal values across the globe. He truly served as a model for nations worldwide, Chen remarked while extending condolences on behalf of Taiwan's 23 million citizens and its Catholic community. The former vice president, himself a devout Catholic, expressed personal gratitude for having met the Pope on six separate occasions.
Chen praised Pope Francis as "an exemplary Catholic" whose humble lifestyle and unwavering dedication to promoting peace, freedom, and democratic values earned worldwide admiration. The Taiwanese envoy emphasized the Pope's fundamental belief that genuine authority exists only in service to others. "His leadership has been instrumental in advancing global freedom, stability, and prosperity," Chen said, visibly moved as he prepared to board his flight to Rome. ★
