Taiwan honors Pope Francis by sending condolences and dispatching envoys to attend his funeral in the Vatican. Following his death on Monday, Taiwan’s leaders expressed deep sorrow and remembered his global legacy.
President Lai Ching-te quickly directed Taiwan’s embassy to deliver an official condolence message. He emphasized the long-standing friendship between Taiwan and the Vatican.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung personally shared Taiwan’s sympathy with Monsignor Stefano Mazzotti, the Vatican’s representative in Taiwan. In addition, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended condolences to Bishop John Lee Keh-Mien, head of Taiwan’s bishops’ conference.
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis passed away at 88 from a stroke and heart failure. He served as Pope from 2013 to 2025 and left a strong impression on Taiwan’s people and government.
To honor Pope Francis, Taiwan plans to send high-level officials as special envoys to his funeral. These officials will represent Taiwan during ceremonies in Rome. The Apostolic Nunciature in Taipei will also hold a memorial mass, with top officials in attendance.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis maintained warm ties with Taiwan. He prayed for victims of the 2024 Hualien earthquake and welcomed Taiwanese bishops to the Vatican. He also received Taiwanese presidential envoys at major events.
Additionally, he supported interfaith dialogue with Taiwan’s religious leaders. Taiwan honors Pope Francis for his humility, his efforts for peace, and his concern for humanity.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian cooperation with the Catholic Church. It also promised to promote democratic values and global peace in Pope Francis’s memory.
The bond between Taiwan and the Vatican spans over 70 years. Past presidents like Chen Shui-bian and Ma Ying-jeou both visited the Vatican and met popes during key moments.
In 2005, Chen attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral. In 2013, Ma led a delegation to Pope Francis’s inauguration. These visits strengthened diplomatic ties between both states.
Now, Taiwan honors Pope Francis again, not only in farewell, but also by continuing his vision of peace and unity.
