Taiwan sends condolences to Vatican, one of its few allies

21/4/2025 19:00

Taiwan will send envoys of the "appropriate level" to Pope Francis' funeral given the deep friendship between the island and the Vatican, the Taiwanese foreign ministry said on Monday, expressing condolences to one of its few remaining allies.



The Vatican is one of only 12 countries to maintain formal relations with diplomatically isolated Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.



Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, writing on his X account, sent his condolences on behalf of the island's people.



"We will continue to draw inspiration from his lifelong commitment to peace, global solidarity, and caring for those in need," he wrote in English.



Taiwan's foreign ministry said Lai had sent his condolences directly via the Taiwanese embassy to the Vatican.