Relations with the Vatican will remain steadfast after the election of a new Pope, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Michel Lu (呂慶龍) said yesterday.
Lu was responding to concerns whether diplomatic ties could be affected following the election of a successor to the late Pope John Paul II.
Over the past 20-plus years, Lu said, China has sought to normalize its relations with the Vatican while it has continued to suppress religious freedoms and arrest Catholic clergymen and followers on the other.
Noting that religious freedoms and the well-being of all Catholic followers around the world are the top concerns of the Vatican, Lu said diplomatic ties or politics are just the means, not the end, for the Holy See.
If China fails to respect religious freedoms or allow its people to enjoy the freedom of assembly, Lu said, it would be very difficult for the Vatican to forge diplomatic ties with Beijing anytime soon.
In the foreseeable future, Lu said, Beijing is not expected to adjust its policy and attitude toward human rights and religious freedoms.
Against this backdrop, Lu said he doesn't think that the Vatican will forge diplomatic ties after a new Pope is designated.
Moreover, he said the Vatican has consistently been satisfied with Taiwan's contributions to international humanitarian aid.
Over the years, Lu said, Taiwan has established a steadfast, peaceful and merciful partnership with the Vatican.
In its long history, Lu said, the Vatican has never taken the initiative to sever diplomatic ties with any other country.
Asked who will serve as Taiwan's top envoy to attend the new Pope's investiture, Lu said that it is up to the Presidential Office to decide.
President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) attended John Paul II's funeral in the Vatican on April 8.
Because of China's diplomatic embargo, the Vatican is the nation's only diplomatic ally in Europe.
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