Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Vice President Wu Den-yih and Mrs. Wu, escorted by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Vanessa Yea-Ping Shih (史亞平) and ROC Ambassador to the Vatican Larry Yu-yuan Wang (王豫元) and Mrs. Wang, embarked at 9:00 a.m. on April 28 Italy time (Monday) on their second day itinerary, which included a visit to the Vatican to attend the canonization of the late Popes John XXIII and John Paul II.

Vice President and Mrs. Wu first visited the ROC's embassy in the Vatican and expressed their appreciation to the staff at the embassy for their hard work. After touring the embassy, the vice president stated that the embassy is located in a wonderful area and is decorated in an elegant and refined style. He remarked that the embassy has for many years provided a variety of services and assistance to overseas compatriots and to ROC nationals traveling to Italy. The embassy has helped to ensure the interests and safety of ROC nationals, he said.

Vice President Wu also recognized the efforts and contributions made by Ambassador Wang in enhancing relations between the ROC and the Vatican. The vice president encouraged the staff at the embassy to continue to do their best to further advance bilateral cooperative relations.

After concluding their stop at the ROC embassy, Vice President and Mrs. Wu then visited the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo for a tour. Castel Gandolfo serves as the summer residence and vacation retreat for the pope. The red-brick villa is constructed in Baroque style, and has some 1,200 varieties of trees. Vice President and Mrs. Wu were impressed by the beautiful architecture of the castle and the lovely setting.