Pope Benedict XVI‘s Discourse to Wang Larry Yu-yuan, Ambassador from the Republic
of China.
(November 8, 2008) The Government in Taipei has a keen sense of belonging to a world
community, a global human family. This is expressed in many ways, not least in the
generosity with which aid and emergency relief is supplied to poorer nations. In
this regard, your country makes a valuable contribution to the building of a more
secure and stable world, said Pope Benedict XVI. He was addressing Mr Wang Larry
Yu-yuan, the Ambassador of the republic of China, popularly known as Taiwan, on Saturday,
8th November at Rome at the presentation ceremony. The Pope said that
the Holy See is pleased to work together with all those who seek to promote peace,
prosperity and development, and appreciates the Republic of China’s commitment to
that noble cause. Although Catholics in the Republic of China represent little more
than one per cent of the population, they are eager to play their part in building
up a society that is humane, just, and marked by genuine concern for the welfare of
the weaker members of the community particularly in the fields of education, healthcare
and charitable assistance. The Holy Father appreciated the Government’s firm commitment
to freedom of religion has made it possible for the Church to carry out her mission
of love and service, and to express herself openly through worship and the proclamation
of the Gospel. Appreciating the great religious vitality and capacity for renewal
among the peoples of Asia, the Pontiff said that the ground is particularly fertile
for interreligious dialogue to take root and grow. Frank and constructive dialogue
is also the key to the resolution of the conflicts that threaten the stability of
our world, he said. The Pope added that the Holy See welcomes the recent positive
developments in relations between Taiwan and mainland China and that the Holy See
wishes to support the efforts of Governments to become “staunch champions of human
dignity and courageous builders of peace.” Pope Benedict XVI‘s Discourse to Wang
Larry Yu-yuan, Ambassador from the Republic of China (Taiwan). SEDOC