Vatican City, May 18 (CNA) — Taiwan’s former Vice President Chen Chien-jen presented two special gifts to Pope Leo XIV during the inauguration Mass at the Vatican on Sunday. He also met with several world leaders at the event.
Chen attended the ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, representing Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te. Around 250,000 people gathered to witness Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration. The new pope was elected on May 8, following the death of his predecessor.
The inauguration was attended by prominent dignitaries including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. More than 150 delegations from countries and organizations worldwide were present.
Chen arrived early at St. Peter’s Square, about 90 minutes before the Mass. This allowed him time to meet with various leaders. He introduced himself to Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. They discussed Taiwan’s high-tech industry and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) new lab in Dresden, Germany. They also talked about expanding cooperation between Taiwan and the European Union in the technology sector. Von der Leyen expressed eagerness for closer ties.
Chen also spoke briefly with Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz about TSMC’s presence in Germany. Additionally, he interacted with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso. Rubio expressed pleasure at Taiwan’s representation at the Mass, while Aso said he looked forward to visiting Taiwan again, following his last visit in 2023.
Chen presented two gifts to the pope: a set of postage stamps showing Taiwan’s iconic church architecture and a photograph of Pope Leo XIV taken in Peru in 2020 when he was Bishop of Chiclayo. The photo captures the pope at a donation event during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Taiwan sent intubation equipment to Peru designed by Taiwanese doctors. The pope immediately recognized the photo and recalled the event.
Chen also invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Taiwan. The pope nodded but did not verbally respond. Chen described the pope as “extremely friendly and affable.”
Chen expressed confidence that relations between Taiwan and the Vatican will continue to grow under Pope Leo XIV. The two allies plan to deepen cooperation on humanitarian efforts and promote peace and prosperity.
