President William Lai (賴清德) has expressed Taiwan's concern for Pope Francis' health and offered his wishes for his swift recovery, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today.
The 88-year-old Pope Francis has remained in critical condition since this past weekend, battling pneumonia in both lungs and other issues, after he was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital more than a week ago.
Photo: Reuters
Asked for Taiwan's response, ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said that Lai has expressed the concerns of the government and Taiwan's people over the pope's health via the nation's embassy in the Vatican and is praying for his swift recovery.
Ambassador to the Holy See Mathew Lee (李世明) also took part in a recitation of the Rosary for Pope Francis in St Peter's Square led by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin beginning last night, Hsiao told a ministry weekly news briefing.
The pontiff was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 14 for a case of bronchitis.
Shortly after that, the Vatican announced that Francis had developed pneumonia in both lungs, and required further treatment.
Yesterday, the Vatican said Pope Francis showed "slight improvement" and was able to resume some of his work while still in critical condition.
The Holy See is Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Europe, established in 1942 when the government was still based in China.
However, the Vatican's relations with Beijing have warmed since Francis assumed the papacy in 2013.
In 2018, Beijing and the Vatican struck a historic deal to work together on appointing Chinese bishops, which is expected to be extended for a third time later this year.
Tensions in the relationship have developed since then after Beijing contravened the agreement by unilaterally making the appointments.
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