President Tsai Ing-wen extended her deepest condolences Dec. 31, 2022, on the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, according to the Presidential Office.
The president has appointed former Vice President Chen Chien-jen as her special envoy to attend the funeral and directed Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu to express sympathies to the Holy See’s Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan, the PO said. The ROC (Taiwan) Embassy to the Holy See also conveyed Tsai’s message to the Vatican, the office added.
Tsai fondly recalled the pope’s close and friendly interactions with Taiwan during his tenure from 2005-2013, especially his appeals for world peace, the PO said, adding that his passing is a tremendous loss for the international community.
Taiwan will continue deepening cooperation with the Holy See and the Catholic Church on humanitarian aid programs while further strengthening ties with the Vatican, the PO added.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. May his soul rest in peace. Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen will attend the funeral in the Vatican as @iingwen’s special envoy to convey the condolences of the government & people of Taiwan.”
According to the MOFA, the Vatican expressed appreciation for the country’s condolences. (YCH-E)
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