Focus Taiwan
Date: 2017/07/05
By: Shen Ju-feng and Christie Chen
Taipei, July 5 (CNA) Father Gian Carlo Michelini (秘克琳), an 81-year-old Catholic priest from Italy
(CNA file photo)
who founded the renowned Taiwanese children’s folk dance troupe, the Lan Yang Dancers, will receive Taiwanese citizenship on Thursday in recognition of his invaluable contribution to Taiwan.
Michelini is set to become the first foreign national to be naturalized as a Taiwan citizen due to his contributions in the field of art and culture.
The passing of an amendment to Taiwan’s Nationality Act in December last year allowed foreign nationals applying for citizenship to keep their original nationality if they are high-level professionals in technological, economic, educational, cultural, art, sports or other domains whose specialties are deemed to serve the interests of Taiwan.
Yilan County government said on Wednesday that Michelini’s household will be registered in Yilan, where the priest is based. [FULL STORY]
