Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te will not attend the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for April 26 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Instead, former Vice President Chen Chien-jen has been appointed as the official envoy to represent Taiwan at the ceremony.
Diplomatic Sensitivities Influence Attendance
The decision for President Lai not to attend follows discussions between Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Holy See. Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu indicated that the Vatican had “considerations” regarding Taiwan’s representation, though specific reasons were not disclosed.
The Vatican is one of only 12 states that maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, recent years have seen the Holy See engage in dialogue with Beijing, including agreements on the appointment of bishops in China. These developments have added complexity to Taiwan-Vatican relations.
Chen Chien-jen: A Familiar Face at the Vatican
Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen, who served from 2016 to 2020, has been chosen to lead Taiwan’s delegation. Chen has met Pope Francis on multiple occasions and is a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, reflecting his strong ties with the Vatican.
Chen’s appointment is seen as a strategic choice, balancing the desire to honor Pope Francis while navigating the diplomatic nuances of Taiwan’s international status.
Historical Context of Taiwan-Vatican Relations
Taiwanese presidents have previously attended significant Vatican events. In 2005, then-President Chen Shui-bian attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II, and in 2013, President Ma Ying-jeou was present at Pope Francis’s inaugural mass.
President Lai’s absence from Pope Francis’s funeral marks a departure from this precedent, highlighting the evolving dynamics of Taiwan’s diplomatic engagements.
President Lai Pays Respects in Taipei
While not attending the funeral, President Lai paid his respects to Pope Francis at a memorial set up by the Catholic Archdiocese of Taipei. He offered condolences and acknowledged the Pope’s commitment to peace and global solidarity.
The Vatican has not confirmed whether representatives from China will attend the funeral. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences over Pope Francis’s death but did not provide details on its delegation.
