Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/03/06
By: Sophia Yeh and Kuo Chung-han
Taipei, March 6 (CNA) Shared convictions about human rights, rule of law, democratic
values and world peace provide a solid and enduring basis for the diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of China, the Holy See’s representative in Taipei said Sunday.
Monsignor Paul Russell (陸思道), chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Holy See, made the remarks at a mass to mark the third anniversary of the election of Pope Francis at the Taipei Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Datong District.
The event was attended by Vice President-elect Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) and Vice Foreign Minister Leo Chen-jan Lee (李澄然).
Russell said that “our diplomatic relations, which date from Oct. 23, 1942, are based on shared convictions about the dignity of the human person; promotion of human rights, especially religious freedom and freedom of conscience; respect for the rule of law among nations and within nations; respect for basic democratic principles and the promotion of democratic values, including freedom of thought and expression; a common commitment to the promotion of peace in the world and a reduction of tensions among peoples and nations, especially in this area of the world; and the desire to have friendly relationships with all peoples and nations.” [FULL STORY]