Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples on the afternoon of February 28. President Tsai stated that Taiwan and the Vatican share the common values of freedom, human rights, and benevolence. In the future, Taiwan will continue to partner with the Holy See in humanitarian and charitable work, contributing even more to the world, she said.

President Tsai stated that this year marks the fourth National Eucharistic Congress held by the Catholic Church in Taiwan, and that she warmly welcomed Cardinal Filoni, who was appointed by Pope Francis as special envoy to attend the Congress.

Several months ago, the president said, she met with a number of senior foreign Catholic clergy who came to Taiwan in our time of greatest need and devoted themselves to Taiwan's progress and development in medicine, education, and many other fields. We are profoundly moved by, and grateful for, their efforts.

President Tsai noted that from the past to the present, Catholics have been an important force contributing to the common good in Taiwanese society. One example is this year's National Eucharistic Congress. It was organized by the Diocese of Chiayi and was held in Yunlin. Through this event, Catholics took the lead in bringing Taiwan closer to the world, while also working to promote Yunlin's sights and specialties, driving local tourism. She trusted that on his trip here, Cardinal Filoni would experience firsthand the passion and energy of Taiwan's Catholic Church and his fellow parishioners.

In Taiwan, the president said, different religions coexist peacefully, a spirit of mutual respect that has been recognized by the Holy See. The Vatican and Taiwan have jointly held a number of interfaith conferences. She also expressed hope that Cardinal Filoni's visit would help promote further understanding and exchange between Taiwan and the Vatican.

President Tsai stated that Taiwan and the Vatican share the common values of freedom, human rights, and benevolence. She expressed her strong agreement with Pope Francis that replacing violence with dialogue is the best way forward. This is the same belief we hold in democratic Taiwan. In the future, Taiwan will continue to partner with the Holy See in humanitarian and charitable work, contributing even more to the world.

Finally, the president thanked Cardinal Filoni for coming to Taiwan to take part in this Congress. The Catholics of Taiwan eagerly await a personal visit by Pope Francis, which would be such a wonderful blessing, she said. The president also wished her visitors a pleasant and successful trip.