Taiwan lawmakers on Vatican trip ‘hoping for audience with Pope Francis’
Legislators say they want to talk about issues ‘relating to Taiwan-Vatican ties’ after bishops backed by Beijing were reportedly promoted
Taiwanese lawmakers are seeking an audience with Pope Francis as concerns grow over Taipei’s diplomatic relations with the Vatican, after it reportedly promoted bishops endorsed by Beijing.
The Holy See is one of only 20 countries that recognise Taipei instead of Beijing, but Pope Francis has sought to improve ties with Beijing since he took office in 2013.
Beijing still sees self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and demands that allies of Beijing must give up any official ties with the island.
Five legislators from Taiwan’s foreign affairs and interior committees are leaving on Saturday for an eight-day visit to the Vatican, Italy and Greece.
Lawmaker Tsai Shih-ying, who is part of the group, said they were “hoping to have an audience with the pope” but it was still to be confirmed.
“We will express our stance and communicate on issues ... relating to Taiwan-Vatican ties,” he said, without elaborating.