President Lee Teng-hui this morning met with visiting Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos from the Holy See and extended a warm welcome to him.
During the meeting, the President expressed his gratitude for Pope John Paul II's concern and frequent prayers for the well-being of the Chinese people.
President Lee also noted that the promotion of Kaohsiung diocese Bishop Shan Kou-hsi to cardinal this past February demonstrated that the Pope attaches great importance to Chinese Catholics.
To ensure the people's dignity and rights, the President emphasized, has been his most important task since assuming presidency. He said, "If human dignity and rights do not receive due respect, then the people's well-being has not improved."
Meanwhile, the President praised the Catholic Church for its sacrifice and service for the people of the world, especially the needy, adding that the Church has won worldwide respect. Bearing this spirit in mind, the Republic of China has been paying great attention to the well-being of the disadvantaged groups in our society, such as the aborigines and the disabled, especially in regard to the protection of their livelihood, education and rights, President Lee said.
"The ROC government and I will spare no efforts at ensuring social fairness and justice, " the President said to his guest. "These are our goals."
The President added, "Fairness and justice cannot be attained simply by government decree or order. One must have the courage to face problems and do one's best to practice these principles. Then the problems can truly be resolved and a fair and just society can be created."
Cardinal Castrillon, who has been to the ROC three times, told President Lee that he has been impressed by Taiwan's progress and prosperity each time he visited. He also expressed his admiration for President Lee's dedication to building a peaceful and harmonious society for people of this country, adding that the Catholic church shares the same ideal with President Lee.
The cardinal was accompanied by Cardinal Shan Kuo-hsi to the Office of the President for the meeting. Dr. Ding Mou-shi, secretary-general of the National Security Council, Dr. Jason Hu, ROC minister of the foreign affairs, and Dr. Chi Su, deputy secretary-general to the President, were also present.