Taiwan Mourns Pope Francis: President's Potential Funeral Attendance

Taipei Considers Sending President Lai to Pay Respects as World Leaders Gather for Funeral

The world prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, with his funeral scheduled for Saturday, following three days of public viewing in St. Peter's Basilica. The pontiff, the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church, will be laid to rest after a life dedicated to serving the marginalized.

In anticipation of the funeral, cardinals convened in the Vatican's synod hall to discuss the procedures for electing Francis' successor. The conclave is expected to commence between May 5 and 10. The funeral service, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will take place in St Peter's Square.

Photo: I-Hwa Cheng, AFP

In Taiwan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois Wu (吳志中) announced discussions with the Vatican regarding a potential visit by President William Lai (賴清德) to attend the funeral. The Holy See remains a diplomatic ally of Taiwan.

Past Taiwanese presidents, Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), attended the funerals or investitures of previous pontiffs, underscoring the enduring relationship. US President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei are also expected to be present.

Photo: I-Hwa Cheng, AFP

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 after a stroke, had a pontificate marked by efforts to reform the church and champion the less fortunate. He made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday.

Sister Nathalie Becquart, a high-ranking Vatican official, reflected on the Pope's commitment, stating, "He truly gave everything he had, up to the end." Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi highlighted Francis's legacy of promoting the role of women in the church, emphasizing his decision to be buried near a beloved icon of the Madonna.

Following his death, flags were lowered to half-staff in several nations, including Taiwan, as world leaders and ordinary citizens paid their respects, remembering his humility and compassion.