Vatican City: President Lai Ching-te has extended his congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his election as the new leader of the Catholic Church, now known as Pope Leo XIV, as announced by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

According to Focus Taiwan, President Lai instructed the Republic of China’s (Taiwan) embassy in the Vatican to deliver Taiwan’s congratulatory messages to Pope Leo XIV shortly after the papal conclave concluded. The president emphasized Taiwan’s anticipation of working with the Vatican to further peace, justice, religious freedom, unity, and human dignity.

MOFA highlighted the 83-year-long diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and the Vatican, expressing a commitment to continue strengthening bilateral ties. Pope Leo XIV, 69, marks a historic moment as the first pope from the United States.

Matthew Lee, nearing the end of his service as Taiwan’s ambassador to the Holy See, conveyed optimism about the future relations between Taiwan and the Vatican. Recalling a brief encounter with Pope Leo XIV in September 2023, Lee noted the pontiff’s insightful understanding of the distinctions between democratic Taiwan and communist China. Ambassador Anthony Ho has succeeded Lee in this role.