Republic of China (Taiwan) Vice President Chen Chien-jen attended the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Sept. 4 at the Vatican, describing the event as representing the universal values of peace, love, mercy and humanitarianism that the ROC and Holy See share and put into practice.
The Holy See is an important ally that has maintained diplomatic ties with the ROC for 74 years, Chen said, adding that both sides are committed to freedom of religion, compassion and kindness, and emphasize the importance of democracy, freedom and human rights.
Continuing to cooperate with the Holy See in promoting these shared values around the world, as well as deepening the partnership on humanitarian and charitable efforts, is a priority for the ROC, he added.
Chen, who was seated in the first row with his wife Lo Fong-ping at the ceremony, later shook hands with Pope Francis and presented him with a specially produced DVD on the pontiff’s life and several books about the Roman Catholic Church. The pope was moved by the gifts and said he would pray for the people of Taiwan.
The vice president, who represented President Tsai Ing-wen at the canonization, is on a six-day official visit to the Holy See wrapping up Sept. 8. He is leading a delegation comprising National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Tseng Hou-jen, MOFA Deputy Minister Wu Chih-chung and other officials.
During a dinner function the same day in Rome with Taiwan expatriates, clergy and the Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir, which performed with the Sistine Chapel Choir during the ceremony, Chen described relations between the ROC and Holy See as an “alliance of love and core values.”
Other activities on the vice president’s itinerary include meeting with high-ranking clergy, visiting the town of Assisi—the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi—and attending a Mass for peace in the central Italian town.
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.
Mother Teresa won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and visited Taiwan in 1985. The Missionaries of Charity she founded in 1950 are still active in Taiwan, carrying out work in Taipei and Tainan cities. (WF-E)
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