TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) landed in Rome Friday (April 25) to honor Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica, where the pontiff's body lies in state. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), who took office earlier this year, designated Chen as the official envoy for the solemn occasion. The diplomatic mission culminates with Chen's attendance at Saturday's funeral service.
Vatican officials have prepared for an unprecedented gathering of global leaders as the funeral ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Saturday in Rome. Representatives from 130 nations will converge for the service, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Philippine leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Mourners have filed past the pontiff's body since Wednesday, when it was first displayed for public veneration. The papal remains will find their final resting place at the historic Basilica of Saint Mary Major (聖母大殿), one of Rome's four major basilicas.
Taiwan's envoy brings unique credentials to this diplomatic assignment. Chen holds the distinction of being the first Taiwanese scientist appointed to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a prestigious Vatican institution, receiving this honor from Pope Francis himself in 2021. His scientific contributions later earned him election to the academy's governing council. The relationship between Chen and the late pontiff transcended formal diplomacy — they met on six occasions, with Pope Francis once demonstrating personal recognition of Chen, remarking unprompted that he was already familiar with the Taiwanese statesman. ★
