TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Friday congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and hoped for deeper Taiwan-Vatican ties.

Upon the Vatican's announcement Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Lai instructed Taiwan’s Embassy to the Holy See to convey a congratulatory message to the newly elected pope. In the message, Lai extended heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on behalf of the government, the people of Taiwan, and the Catholic community in the country. 

He expressed confidence that the “light of Pope Leo’s profound wisdom will continue to guide the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion faithful around the world.” Lai also emphasized Taiwan’s hope to continue working closely with the Holy See to "jointly pursue peace, justice, religious freedom, solidarity, and human dignity.”

This year marks the 83rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the Vatican. The ministry said the two sides have a deep friendship and share universal values such as religious freedom, human rights, peace, and compassion.

The ministry said Taiwan will continue to promote cooperation with the Holy See, further strengthen bilateral relations, and work together to make greater contributions to the world.