Vice President Chen lauds success of Vatican trip

2016/09/09

Vice President Chen Chien-jen said Sept. 8 that his official trip to the Vatican for the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta helped further strengthen relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and diplomatic ally the Holy See.

“As an indispensable partner in promoting religious freedom and global peace, the ROC will continue working with the Holy See and like-minded countries around the world based on such universal values as peace, democracy, freedom, equality and fraternity,” Chen said.

The vice president made the remarks after touching down at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport following his six-day visit to the Holy See as the representative of President Tsai Ing-wen. He was accompanied during the trip by his wife Lo Fong-ping, and led a delegation comprising Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Chih-chung, National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Tseng Hou-jen and other senior officials.

Chen said at the Sept. 4 canonization, he conveyed his highest regards to Pope Francis on behalf of Tsai, as well as the people of Taiwan and Catholics nationwide. He added that the pontiff responded amiably, stating he would pray for the people of Taiwan.

Later the same day, Chen met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin for talks on promoting bilateral ties. He also took the opportunity to donate 100,000 euros (US$112,520) on behalf of Taiwan to assist those affected by a major earthquake that struck central Italy late last month.

The vice president also visited the town of Assisi—the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi—and attended a Mass for global and cross-strait peace in the central Italian town, before departing Sept. 7 for Taiwan.

A devout Catholic, Chen was made a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in 2010 and a Knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great in 2013 in recognition of his efforts to fight SARS and academic achievements. He and his wife have been invited to Vatican several times and received by Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II.

This is the vice president’s second overseas trip since taking office in May, and follows his visit last month to ROC Caribbean diplomatic ally Dominican Republic for the inauguration of President Danilo Medina and Vice President Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez.

The ROC established diplomatic relations in 1942 with the Holy See—its sole diplomatic ally in Europe. The two sides enjoy close ties and cooperation in many areas as illustrated by “Treasures from Heaven: A Special Exhibition of Artifacts from the Holy See” staged Feb. 5 to May 2 at Taipei City-based National Palace Museum, and an agreement concluded in 2011 on higher education collaboration.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=247770&ctNode=2194&mp=9)