Anthony C.Y. Ho, Taiwan’s new ambassador to the Holy See, presented his credentials to Pope Leo XIV on 3 July, the very same day the new pontiff officially began his own mission. In an interview with AsiaNews, Ambassador Ho reflected on their meeting, Taiwan–Vatican relations, and his vision for future cooperation rooted in shared values.
“I had the honour of presenting my credentials and conveying warm greetings from President Lai Ching-te and many high-ranking officials,” said Ho. “As a Catholic, I also carried with me the prayers of Taiwan’s Catholic community.”
Ambassador Ho described the conversation with the Pope as warm and meaningful. “The Holy Father appreciated the greetings and assured us of his prayers for Taiwan,” he said. “I told him that Taiwan is a vibrant democracy, deeply committed to religious freedom, and always ready to extend help during crises, whether earthquakes in Turkey, China or Japan, or humanitarian aid to Ukraine.”
Ho highlighted Taiwan’s efforts during the pandemic, when it supported medical missions around the world. “In fact, when Pope Leo XIV was still Bishop Robert Prevost in Peru, Taiwan donated medical supplies to his diocese, a small but symbolic early encounter.”
Looking ahead, Ambassador Ho said his work will be guided by the word “HOPE,” an acronym for Humanity, Opportunity, Partnership, and Encounter, core principles that mirror Pope Francis’s and Pope Leo’s emphasis on dialogue and global solidarity. “Together with the Holy See, we want to promote humanitarian aid and create opportunities for the vulnerable,” he said.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry recently launched the "Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project," focusing on four strategic areas: digital development, healthcare, environmental protection, and smart agriculture. Ho expressed hope for greater collaboration with the Vatican in regions needing support, particularly in healthcare and sustainable development.
A lifelong Catholic, Ho proudly noted that his children are fifth-generation Catholics. “My work is shaped by the virtues of faith, love and hope,” he said. “I believe Taiwan and the Holy See can be Valuable and Indispensable Partners, VIPs in the truest sense.”
Taiwan is currently the only Chinese-speaking country with formal diplomatic ties to the Vatican, while the Holy See has maintained a pastoral agreement with Beijing since 2018. Ambassador Ho acknowledged this dynamic but voiced concern over religious freedom in China. “We hope Catholics in the PRC will one day enjoy the same freedom as those in Taiwan,” he said.
Taiwan’s Catholic community has made lasting contributions to society, especially in education, healthcare and social services. Ho shared the story of American missionary Fr Brendan O’Connell, whose Bethlehem Foundation for children with disabilities in Tainan received government support during his tenure. He brought children’s drawings from that centre as a gift to the Pope.
Another example he cited was the funeral of Sr Elena Pia Frongia, an Italian nun who spent 65 years serving Taiwan’s Indigenous communities. When she struggled financially, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation supported her. “This spirit of interreligious cooperation is a model not only for Asia, but the whole world,” Ho said.
Amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait, Ambassador Ho reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to peace. “We do not threaten anyone. We are a peace-loving country,” he said. “We will continue to seek dialogue and remain committed to justice, truth and peace, the same principles Pope Leo XIV outlined in his first address to the diplomatic corps.”
Asked about his hopes for the Church in Greater China, Ho said Taiwan can be “a beacon” of religious freedom. “We will let the world see that Taiwan is a democratic country that champions peace.”
Originally from Keelung and a graduate of National Taiwan University, Ambassador Ho previously served in Washington, Manila and Pretoria. Now serving at what he calls his most meaningful posting, he pledged to promote Taiwan as “a force for good.”
“Taiwan is ready to partner with the Holy See and other like-minded countries to advance democracy, justice, freedom and peace,” he said.
Adapted from AsiaNews.it.
