Purpose and achievements

Saint's Peace Project

Saint's Peace Project
Steadfast diplomacy—strengthening mutual assistance for mutual benefits

Vice President Chen leads delegation to attend canonization ceremony of Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Purpose

The Holy See announced in 2015 that the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta would take place on September 4, 2016. In light of the 74-year history of formal diplomatic ties between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Holy See, the importance of our bilateral cooperation and exchanges, Mother Teresa's 1985 visit to Taiwan, and the service that her Missionaries of Charity are still providing in Taipei and Tainan, President Tsai Ing-wen appointed Vice President Chen Chien-jen to attend the canonization ceremony as her special envoy. The vice president, a devout Catholic, led a delegation to attend the ceremony, and convey sincere best wishes to the pope on behalf of the government, people, and Catholic brethren of Taiwan.

The codename of the vice president's trip, Sheng Ho, literally means "saint's peace," and refers to attending Mother Teresa's canonization ceremony to show respect for the 1979 Nobel Peace laureate's contributions to world peace. Vice President Chen and his wife, accompanied by National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Tseng Hou-jen (曾厚仁) and Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-Chung (吳志中), boarded a plane on the evening of September 2 to depart for the Holy See, and returned to Taiwan in the early morning hours of September 8.

Itinerary (Local time)

2016

09-02
Fri.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfD8kJkIkfM

Depart for the Vatican

Vice President Chen Chien-jen departed on the evening of September 2 to travel to the Holy See and attend the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In remarks issued before boarding the aircraft, the vice president stressed that in addition to expressing to the Holy See our congratulations on the canonization of Mother Teresa, the trip was also being undertaken in order to pray for lasting friendship between Taiwan and the Vatican....More

　
2016

09-03
Sat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW0KpVKosIM

Arrive in Rome, Italy

Vice President Chen Chien-jen and Mrs. Chen arrived at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International Airport at 1:45 p.m. on September 3 local time (7:45 p.m. September 3, Taipei time). They were accorded a courteous reception after disembarking from their aircraft and then boarded a waiting shuttle bus for transportation to the airport's state protocol lounge, where they and the delegation were welcomed by ROC Ambassador to the Holy See Matthew S.M. Lee (李世明) and Mrs. Lee as well as Acting ROC Representative to Italy Hsieh Chun-teh (謝俊得) and Mrs. Hsieh....More

　
2016

09-04
Sun.

Pope Francis meets delegation heads representing each country

Attend canonization ceremony of Mother Teresa of Calcutta

A banquet hosted by Vice President and Mrs. Chen

Take in performance by Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir

　
2016

09-05
Mon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXBztalZg30

Attend a thanksgiving mass for the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta celebrated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin , the Vatican Secretary of State

At 9:30 a.m. September 5 local time (3:30 p.m. September 5, Taipei time), Vice President Chen Chien-jen and Mrs. Chen arrived at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican to attend a Mass of Thanksgiving for the canonization of Mother Teresa, which was presided by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin at 10:00 a.m....More

Visit the ROC embassy at the Vatican

Attend a banquet with high-level clergy members from the Vatican

　
2016

09-06
Tue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjAdHwEI98s

Visit the Basilica and the Sacred Convent of St. Francis and attend a mass for peace and blessings

At 10:30 a.m. local time (4:30 p.m. Taipei time) on September 6, Vice President Chen Chien-jen, Mrs. Chen, and the delegation that accompanied them during the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta at the Vatican went to the Italian town of Assisi, a pilgrimage destination famed as the birthplace of St. Francis. While there they toured the Basilica and the Sacred Convent of St. Francis and offered a heartfelt prayer for world peace....More

Visit the town of Assisi and the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs

　
2016

09-08
Thu.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZXyeMbRwc8

Arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

Vice President Chen Chien-jen completed his visit to the Vatican and returned to Taiwan in the early morning hours of September 8. Upon arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the vice president immediately delivered remarks to report on successes achieved during his trip....More

Highlighted our nation's sovereignty, enhanced Taiwan's international status

The canonization of Mother Teresa at the Holy See attracted worldwide attention. Vice President Chen, acting as Taiwan's deputy head of state, attended a formal and public international event held by a diplomatic ally. With the world watching, he interacted with senior Holy See clergy members and envoys from around the globe. This clearly demonstrated the Holy See's friendship toward Taiwan, and highlighted our religious freedom and democracy. The visit thus helped to strengthen the alliance of shared values between Taiwan and the Holy See, enhanced our nation's international status, and burnished Taiwan's positive image.

Strengthened diplomatic ties with the Holy See

Vice President Chen's trip marked the first visit to the Vatican by a top Taiwanese leader under President Tsai Ing-wen's administration. The vice president and his delegation received warm hospitality and high-level courtesies from the Holy See. Vice President Chen exchanged greetings with Pope Francis, met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and attended a social function with senior members of the Holy See clergy. All these activities helped to build friendships at the Holy See, and thus strengthened and consolidated the diplomatic relationship.

Donation of €100,000 to the Holy See to support relief efforts following an earthquake in Italy, highlighting Taiwan's spirit of humanitarianism and charity

During his meeting with the Vatican Secretary of State, Vice President Chen personally handed over a €100,000 check for earthquake relief. Cardinal Parolin offered praise and thanks for the donation, which helped to strengthen and highlight the long-standing cooperation and partnership between Taiwan and the Holy See in the area of international humanitarian aid.

Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Saint's Peace Project