Former VP Chen heads to Rome as envoy to Pope Francis' funeral

Taipei, April 25 (CNA) Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) departed for Rome on Thursday night to attend Pope Francis' funeral as a presidential envoy.

"Pope Francis made tremendous contributions to human society and countries around the world," Chen, who was appointed by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to be his envoy a day before, said at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport before departure.

“He was a role model for all nations in promoting peace, universal values, and humanitarian efforts. He is deeply missed by many,” Chen said.

Accompanied by his wife Lo Feng-ping (羅鳳蘋), Chen, vice president under former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) from 2016 to 2020, will join other world leaders in attending Pope Francis's funeral in Vatican City on April 26 (local time).

Chen said President Lai instructed him to pay respects before Pope Francis' remains, pray for his peaceful rest in the Lord, and express the hope that the Pope’s spirit would bless enduring Taiwan–Vatican ties, global peace, and the sustainability of the planet.

He also represented all the people of Taiwan and all Catholic believers in paying tribute to the Pope, Chen added.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has said the appointment of Chen was the result of discussions between Taipei and the Holy See, but neither MOFA nor the Presidential Office elaborated on why Lai was not attending the upcoming event in person.

Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu (吳志中), instead, told reporters on Wednesday that Chen was "the best choice under the current circumstances," citing the devout Catholic's personal ties with the late pope as the main reason.

According to MOFA, Chen had previously met with Pope Francis on six occasions and was selected as an academician of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in 2021.

Pope Francis died at his residence on April 21 at the age of 88, according to the Vatican.