The vice president has returned from his visit to the Vatican, saying the Holy See has affirmed Taiwan as an important partner. Vice President Chen Chien-jen arrived back at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on Tuesday following his five-day visit to the Vatican.
The vice president was among those present as Pope Francis announced seven new saints at a ceremony on Sunday, including the late pope Paul VI. Chen said some 100,000 people gathered in St Peter’s Square for the canonization ceremony.
Chen had an audience with Pope Francis before the ceremony on Sunday morning, where he invited the pontiff to visit Taiwan next year. Arriving back in Taiwan, the vice president said the Holy See communicated its affirmation of Taiwan as an important partner in humanitarian and charity work.
The Vatican is Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Europe. A deal between the Holy See and China last month over the appointment of bishops has led to speculation that the Vatican could break ties with Taipei. But the government has insisted that relations with the Vatican remain stable.