The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday downplayed a comment by Pope Francis that he would like improved relations with China and to visit the country, saying it is confident that the “feelings of Taiwanese” would be factored into the Vatican’s dealings with Beijing.
“Bilateral relations between the Republic of China and the Holy See have a long history, and are solid and stable,” ministry spokesperson Eleanor Wang (王珮玲) said when asked if the ministry was worried about ties with the Vatican.
President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), Vice President Wu Den-yih (吳敦義) and Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lin (林永樂) have visited the Holy See, where they received a high-level reception, she said.
That many of the Vatican’s pontifical councils and charity organizations often choose Taiwan to hold international events also proves that relations are close and strong, Wang said.
Pope Francis on Monday said he would “very much like so much to go to China” during an interview on his flight back to Rome after wrapping up a visit to the UN.
“I love the Chinese people and I hope there is the possibility of having good relations. We’re in contact, we talk, we are moving forward, but for me to have as a friend a great country like China, which has so much culture and has so much opportunity to do good, would be a joy,” he said.
The pope’s comments renewed intermittent rumors that the Vatican plans to break off diplomatic relations with Taipei.
The ministry has been monitoring dialogue between the Holy See and China, as well as other related developments, Wang said, adding that Taiwan has maintained close and smooth contacts with the Vatican.
“The ministry understands that the Holy See intends to open talks with China because it aspires to promote evangelization and in turn facilitate freedom of religion in China,” she said. “We also believe that it will adhere to its religious values and principles, as well as attach great importance to its friendship with diplomatic allies and the feelings of Taiwanese when forging relations with China.”
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