Vatican City, April 25 (CNA) Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁), acting as an envoy for President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), visited St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City Friday to pay respect to the late Pope Francis.
Chen, who departed from Taipei on Thursday night (local time), went to St. Peter's Basilica shortly after arriving in Rome to honor the pope as he lay in state.
The former vice president between 2016 and 2020 will join other world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in attending Pope Francis's funeral scheduled on Saturday.
According to the Vatican, heads of government or their representatives from more than 130 countries are expected to take part in the event.
Friday marked the final day for mourners from around the world to pay tribute to the pope, who died at his residence on April 21 at the age of 88, at St. Peter's Basilica.
Following the funeral, his body will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.
- Politics
Taiwan FM condemns political violence after Charlie Kirk's death
09/14/2025 09:48 PM - Sports
Huang Hsiao-wen wins World Boxing Championships, her 3rd career gold
09/14/2025 08:52 PM - Politics
Taiwan's defense resilience committee to hold international forum
09/14/2025 08:35 PM - Business
Taiwan sends agricultural buying mission to U.S.
09/14/2025 07:39 PM - Society
Tainan museum cherry blossoms bloom out of season
09/14/2025 07:07 PM