We Are “VIPs – Valuable and Indispensable Partners,” Says New Taiwanese Ambassador to the Holy See

The newly appointed Taiwanese ambassador to the Holy See has affirmed the enduring partnership between Taiwan and the Vatican, rooted in shared values of freedom, peace, justice, truth, and human rights.

“We have shared these values in the past, in the present, and we will continue to do so in the future. Taiwan and the Holy See will always be close and good partners in the world,” said Ambassador Anthony C.Y. Ho in an interview with AsiaNews.

Ambassador Ho presented his credentials to Pope Leo XIV on July 3, during which he highlighted Taiwan’s vibrant democracy as a foundation for religious freedom and interreligious dialogue.

“Through the cooperation and efforts between Taiwan and the Holy See, I hope that more people around the world will come to appreciate that God is love,” he said. “I hope that Taiwan and the Holy See will be like ‘VIPs’ to each other, ‘Valuable and Indispensable Partners.’”

Ambassador Ho assured Pope Leo that Taiwan remains committed to advancing humanitarian efforts, particularly in collaboration with the Catholic Church.

“We are going to invest more resources in the development of our allies, especially in four key areas: the digital world, healthcare, environmental protection, and smart agriculture,” he noted.

He also expressed interest in working with the Vatican to provide healthcare resources to nations in need.

Beyond bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Ho emphasized Taiwan’s role as a model for religious freedom and interreligious dialogue not only in the Asia-Pacific region but globally. By continuing to promote dialogue and peace, he said, Taiwan aims to be “a beacon and a lighthouse” for mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

“The Catholic Church in Taiwan will continue to play its part, and we will keep showing the world that Taiwan is a truly free and democratic country that spares no effort in promoting peace,” he added.

Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated in recent years, especially following the 2018 pastoral agreement between the Holy See and Beijing, which allows the Chinese government to influence the appointment of Catholic bishops.

“We are concerned about whether the People’s Republic of China will allow more freedom for its people and for the Catholic community,” said Ho. “In particular, we are closely watching whether Catholics can enjoy the full religious freedom and normal faith life that the Holy See expects.”

A practicing Catholic himself, Ambassador Ho serves as the only formal Chinese diplomatic representative to the Holy See. Taiwan remains one of the 11 UN member states maintaining full diplomatic relations with the Vatican.

Ambassador Ho had previously met Pope Leo XIV, then Bishop Robert Prevost, during a visit to Peru when Taiwan extended medical aid to South America at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.