Taipei, Jan. 18 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian Friday received outgoing Vatican Charge d'Affaires to Taipei Monsignor Adolfo Tito Yllana and asked him to convey an invitation for the pope to visit Taiwan.
Chen told the Holy See diplomat that "the 23 million people of Taiwan earnestly hope" that the pontiff will be able to visit the island.
During the reception, Chen thanked Yllana for his contributions to the promotion of friendship between the ROC and the Holy See during his two years and four months of service in Taipei.
Yllana has been appointed ambassador to Papua New Guinea and his Taipei post will be filled by Patrick James Green.