Vatican City State is the only remaining country in Europe that recognizes Taiwan as a country.
Bishop Norbert Pu of Kiayi, Taiwan, told CNA at the event that the Holy See’s diplomatic recognition of Taiwan is very important not only to Taiwanese Catholics but also to all of the Taiwanese people.
“We really hope that we will be recognized all over the world,” he added.
The Taiwanese bishop is a delegate in the Synod on Synodality assembly taking place at the Vatican this month. Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong and two bishops from mainland China are also participating in the assembly.
The Holy See has had formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, formally called the Republic of China (ROC), since 1922, while the Church has not had an official diplomatic presence on the mainland People’s Republic of China (PRC) since it was officially expelled by Beijing in 1951.
“Taiwan and the Holy See share warm and friendly relations which have been growing continuously for over 81 years,” Lee said at the reception. “We are extremely proud of what we have been able to achieve together to contribute to the staunch promotion of peace, justice, evangelization, and humanitarian efforts around the globe.”