【Epoch Times, May 15, 2025】Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that President Lai Ching-te has appointed former Vice President Chen Chien-jen as a special envoy to represent Taiwan at the inauguration ceremony of the new Pope Leo XIV, highlighting the friendship between Taiwan and the Vatican.
According to a press release issued by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 14th, the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to take place on the 18th. President Lai appointed former Vice President Chen Chien-jen as a special envoy to attend the ceremony on behalf of Taiwan, conveying sincere congratulations from the government, people, and the Catholic community in Taiwan. It is hoped that this will lead to further deepening of the Taiwan-Vatican friendship, working together towards peace and justice, and establishing a new milestone in Taiwan-Vatican relations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan explained that Chen Chien-jen has a deep relationship with the Vatican. Apart from being a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, he has also been conferred the title of Knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great and Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem by the Vatican, holding important positions in both Taiwan and the Vatican.
Emphasizing that Chen Chien-jen’s attendance at the papal inauguration on behalf of Taiwan will showcase the interaction and friendly relations between Taiwan and the Vatican, President Lai instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to fully assist Chen’s trip to the Vatican. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Chih-chung will accompany him.
“Our country and the Vatican share universal values such as religious freedom, human rights, peace, and charity. With a friendship of 83 years, our relationship is deep-rooted. Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the Vatican, working together to realize the peace and justice advocated by Pope Leo XIV, making contributions to the world and creating a new milestone in Taiwan-Vatican relations,” said Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.