Overview

• Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister initially emphasized securing President Lai Ching-te's attendance as the foreign ministry's priority.
• The foreign ministry later confirmed that former Vice President Chen Chien-jen will attend the funeral as Lai's special envoy after discussions with the Vatican.
• Chen Chien-jen, a devout Catholic, has a longstanding relationship with the Vatican and has met Pope Francis multiple times.
• The Vatican remains one of only 12 countries maintaining formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, despite Beijing's opposition to Taiwan's international engagements.
• Taiwan continues to monitor the Vatican's deepening ties with China, including a recent extension of their bishops’ appointment agreement.