The Vatican has once more cemented itself as Taiwan's only ally in Europe after the Holy See strengthened diplomatic relations with the island on Thursday, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official.
The alliance, in its 73rd year, was touched upon by Paul Fitzpatrick Russell, charge d'affaires of the Holy See's apostolic nunciature in Taiwan, on March 15th at a Taipei function celebrating the first anniversary of Pope Francis' installation. According to Zhang Ming-zhong, director-general of the ministry's Department of European Affairs, Russell said both sides cherish the relationship and the Pope loves the people of Taiwan.
However, when questioned about the relationship between the Vatican and Beijing, Zhang said that the Pope had concerns over Catholicism in China and had written to President Xi Jinping expressing his worries about the Church.
Zhang said this does not affect the relationship between Taiwan and the Holy See.
[Image via Flickr]
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