President Chen Shui-bian on March 15 met with Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, President of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples and President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. President Chen, on behalf of the government and 23 million residents of the ROC (Taiwan), extended a warm welcome and gratitude to Cardinal Martino.
President Chen noted that Cardinal Martino first visited Taiwan 42 years ago. He is visiting Taiwan this time at the invitation of the Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference to participate in the Catholic Church in Asia Cares for the Migrants in Taiwan international symposium. In addition to adding his perspective at the symposium, President Chen said he believes Cardinal Martino will get a feel for the changes and progress here. He added that the visit by Cardinal Martino is sure to make new migrants to Taiwan sense the warmth, compassion and concern of the Vatican. The president said that in Pope Benedict XVI message for 93rd World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the Pope indicated, "If the immigrant family is not ensured of a real possibility of inclusion and participation, it is difficult to expect its harmonious development." President Chen said the Pope's remarks were very thought-provoking. He said he hopes the government and people of Taiwan will respond to the appeal made by the Pope.
President Chen expressed his highest regard for the Pope's ever present voice calling for the promotion of democracy, freedom, human rights, justice, and quality throughout the international community. He also said that the Pontiff has specially designated each January 1st as World Peace Day, and delivers his World Peace Message on that day. The president stressed that both he and the Taiwan government each year fully support and echo the content of the message. President Chen also expressed his gratitude to the Catholic Church for its unceasing efforts on Taiwan over the years in providing education, establishing hospitals, caring for the underprivileged, providing assistance to persons living in remote areas and showing concern for new migrants to Taiwan.
The president especially pointed out that the government and people of Taiwan maintain an excellent humanitarian and benevolent relationship with the Vatican, adding that he hopes Taiwan and the Vatican will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the future. President Chen also asked Cardinal Martino to pass along his respects and best wishes to Pope Benedict XVI, and said he hopes Cardinal Martino will also forward Taiwan's opinions on various issues to the Vatican Secretary of State and Foreign Minister. He said he hopes the Vatican in the future will appropriately adjust its low profile stance toward Taiwan and also ease restrictions on the visit of high-ranking Taiwan government officials to the Vatican.
Cardinal Martino was accompanied in the morning to the Presidential Building by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chang Siao-yue and the Vatican's Charge D'affaires, Monsignor Ambrose Madtha. Deputy Secretary-General of the Presidential Office, Chen Chi-mai, was also in attendance.