A high-ranking Catholic Church official made an uncommon journey to Taiwan this week to mark six decades since the establishment of a prominent Buddhist humanitarian organization, occurring during a period when Vatican leadership seeks to strengthen relations with China.
Among just 12 nations worldwide that recognize Taiwan diplomatically, the Vatican stands as the sole European country to maintain these official ties with the island that China considers its territory, although no Vatican ambassador is permanently based in Taipei.
According to announcements from both the Tzu Chi Foundation and Taiwan’s foreign affairs department, Cardinal Peter Turkson, who leads the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, arrived in Taipei to participate in the charitable organization’s diamond anniversary festivities.
“Taiwan and the Vatican share universal values including religious freedom, human rights, peace, and fraternity,” the foreign ministry said in a statement, adding it welcomes and supports international religious exchanges and cooperation.
The Buddhist charity confirmed that Turkson participated in anniversary ceremonies held Sunday morning in Hualien County on Taiwan’s eastern coast, where the foundation maintains its main headquarters.
Vatican representatives did not provide comments when contacted about the visit.
This marks the second recent Vatican delegation to Taiwan, following last year’s visit by Paulin Batairwa Kubuya, who serves as under-secretary of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and attended an interfaith conference on the island.
Despite maintaining official diplomatic relations, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te was notably absent from both Pope Francis’ funeral and Pope Leo’s Vatican inauguration ceremony last year.
Sunday evening saw thousands of Tzu Chi volunteers and employees gathering at Liberty Square in Taipei for the primary anniversary celebration, with both President Lai and Raymond Greene, the unofficial U.S. representative to Taiwan, in attendance.
The Tzu Chi Foundation operates globally with particular focus on disaster relief efforts, and while rooted in Buddhist traditions, the organization collaborates across different religious communities.
