On the evening of March 20, President Ma Ying-jeou and Mrs. Ma concluded their trip to the Vatican, codenamed Project Celebration Friendship, and returned to Taiwan. Upon his return, the president delivered remarks at the airport, where he commented on the accomplishments of this trip to the Vatican.
In remarks, the president stated that this trip went very smoothly. He explained that he and Mrs. Ma attended the inauguration mass for Pope Francis at 9:30 a.m. on March 19 Rome time, following which he and the pope had a brief conversation. The president said that he arrived at St. Peter's Square one hour ahead of the mass in accordance with protocol. Prior to the formal commencement of the mass, he had the opportunity to exchange pleasantries with the heads and deputy heads of state from other nations attending the inaugural mass. The president commented that he achieved a considerable amount during these exchanges. In addition, he explained, the previous day he and the rest of his delegation visited the Vatican Museums, and were very impressed by the many treasures they saw there.
President Ma pointed out that this marked the first time that a president from the ROC has personally attended the inauguration of a pope in the 71 years that the ROC and the Vatican have maintained diplomatic relations. The president noted that Pope Francis was very warm and cheerful, and that they had a very pleasant conversation, which lasted over one minute. However, because Pope Francis keeps a low profile, it wasn't possible to confirm whether the pope understands English, the president said, so he prepared a message of congratulations and a brief self-introduction in Spanish. After delivering his congratulations, the president asked the pope whether he speaks English, to which the pope smiled and responded in the affirmative. The two then continued their conversation in English, he stated. President Ma commented that Pope Francis is a kindhearted and cheerful religious leader, adding that his ability to connect with the people elicited praise from many of the leaders and envoys at the events. The president said that this also has given the ROC great hopes for future bilateral relations.
President Ma also expressed his appreciation to staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of the ROC to the Holy See, and the Taipei Representative Office in Italy for their efforts and assistance in organizing the itinerary in Europe, saying that they covered every detail. He pointed out that the ROC flag could be seen at the hotel where he was staying, on the vehicles used by members of the congratulatory delegation, and in St. Peter's Square where the inauguration mass was held. This, he remarked, was quite moving to many overseas compatriots, some of whom said it has been many years since they have experienced such a moving scene. This made the members of the delegation extremely proud.
President Ma commented that the ROC is gaining recognition for the efforts it has made in the international community. In the future, he said, the nation will continue to embrace similar policies and seek to act as a peacemaker and a provider of humanitarian aid. This, he noted, will make the ROC a country that is respected by others and that moves other nations.
The president also thanked the Vatican's Charge d'Affairs a.i. Monsignor Paul Fitzpatrick Russell of the Apostolic Nunciature to the ROC. President Ma explained that one week ago it was still uncertain whether this trip would proceed smoothly, and that it was not until March 13 evening that officials here were informed that there would not be any problems. The president said he always maintained an optimistic attitude about the prospects for this visit. He added that Msgr. Russell was full of confidence and also provided the ROC with the highest level of assistance.
Among those on hand at the airport to welcome President and Mrs. Ma back to Taiwan were Secretary-General to the President Timothy Chin-Tien Yang (楊進添) and Mrs. Yang, National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General John C. C. Deng (鄧振中), Minister of Foreign Affairs David Y. L. Lin (林永樂) and Mrs. Lin, Burkina Faso Ambassador to the ROC Jacques Y. Sawadogo, the head of the foreign diplomatic corps in the ROC, and Mrs. Sawadogo, and the Vatican's Charge d'Affairs to the ROC Msgr. Russell.