Vatican’s Taiwan Ties TEETERING After Francis!

At a Glance

• Taiwan’s representation at the Pope’s funeral differs from past precedents.
• The Vatican is one of only 12 countries maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
• The 2018 Vatican-China bishop agreement raised concerns about shifting allegiances.
• Observers worry about the Vatican’s improved ties with China under a new pontiff.

Diplomatic Shifts: Who Represents Taiwan?

The Vatican remains one of the last bastions of diplomatic support for Taiwan in Europe. As the world mourns Pope Francis, Taiwan’s decision to send a former vice president, Chen Chien-jen, instead of the sitting president to the funeral ceremony has sent ripples through diplomatic circles. It’s a move that contrasts sharply with Taiwan’s past practices of maximizing the presence of their highest officials at such significant global events, according to Fox News.

The Vatican is among a mere 12 nations recognizing Taiwan officially. Given China’s relentless international campaign to diplomatically isolate Taiwan, any hint of change in the Vatican’s stance is scrutinized. Chen’s mission at the funeral includes engaging with world leaders to strengthen global ties, arguably a move of paramount importance as international dynamics with China evolve.

A Careful Dance: Vatican’s China Ties

China’s ongoing absence of diplomatic relations with the Vatican creates a complex scenario, where every overture by the Holy See to China is analyzed. The bilateral agreements between the Vatican and China regarding bishop appointments, notably renewed in 2018, suggest a drift towards trust—a no small feat when dealing with a regime that tightly controls religious expression.

“The precedent exists for Taiwan’s president to attend a pope’s funeral. In 2005, then-President Chen Shui-bian attended John Paul II’s funeral, so, it’s safe to assume President Lai’s team inquired whether Lai could attend Francis’ funeral, and equally safe to assume the Holy See’s response was a negative one,” noted Ross Feingold in Fox News.

Despite criticism within the Church about these gestures towards Beijing, Pope Francis believed engagement with China was preferable to isolation. The change in leadership presents an unpredictable future—China clearly demands nations sever ties with Taiwan to engage diplomatically with Beijing, raising the stakes for Taiwan as the next pope makes key decisions.

A Long-term Game

Experts are quick to suggest fears of an imminent shift in Vatican-Taiwan relations may be exaggerated. “There’s no rush. The Vatican knows how to wait, and China isn’t willing yet to grant the Chinese Catholic community the same privileges Catholics enjoy in most other nations,” stated Dr. Chang Ching, cited by Fox News.

“This isn’t just about politics—it’s about the global Catholic mission. The Vatican has survived empires. It’s patient,” emphasized Thomas Tu, echoing the Holy See’s historical resilience.

While Taiwan is vigilantly watching the evolving Vatican-China relations, the Vatican’s sustained history across changing geopolitical landscapes assures some observers that any hasty decisions remain unlikely. As the authorities in Taipei observe cautiously, the world waits to see how this complex diplomatic puzzle will unfold in the future.