CNA file photo

Taipei, Feb. 9 (CNA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) extended a welcome Saturday to Catholic Archbishop Giampietro Dal Toso, who is on a visit to Taiwan to preside over a meeting of directors of the region's Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), a Catholic worldwide network.

Dal Toso serves as adjunct secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and as president of the Pontifical Mission Societies, MOFA said in a statement.

The weeklong meeting that began Saturday brings together about 30 representatives for the PMS in the region and 100 guests from abroad and at home, including Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁), who will attend the opening reception, according to the statement.

The Catholic Church in Taiwan has made remarkable contributions to society in medical care, social welfare and education over the decades and the government will continue to work closely with the Holy See to promote freedom of religion and their shared values, MOFA said.

(By Matt Yu and Shih Hsiu-chuan)
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