Taiwan Extends Olive Branch to New Pope Leo Amid Tense Sino-Vatican Relations

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has officially extended his congratulations to the newly appointed Pope Leo. In a statement, Taiwan's foreign ministry expressed a desire to maintain a collaborative relationship with the Vatican to promote global peace, justice, and religious freedom.

The Holy See is one of only a dozen entities to maintain a formal diplomatic relationship with Taiwan amid pressures from China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. Despite not attending the recent funeral of Pope Francis, Taiwan is keen on nurturing its connection with the Vatican, despite anxieties about the church's rapprochement with China.

Taiwanese embassy officials in the Vatican marked the occasion with a photo of outgoing Ambassador Matthew Lee in discussions with Pope Leo. The new Pope, originally from the United States, is reported to understand the democratic distinctions between Taiwan and China. As China maintains its stance on Taiwan's lack of statehood, Taipei defends its sovereign rights vehemently.

(With inputs from agencies.)