The Ambassador to the Holy See from Taiwan, Lawrence Yu-Yuan Wang spoke with Chris
Altieri, who asked him about his impressions of the Holy Father’s “State of the World”
address to the Corps of Diplomats accredited to the Holy See.
Amb. Wang:
The Message of the Holy Father to the Diplomatic Corps is consistent with what already
he said on the occasion of the 45th World Peace Day [in his] Message, “Educating Young
People in Justice and Peace”. The Pope dedicates a consistent part of his message
to young people, whose future aspirations have been frustrated by the financial and
economic crisis. According to Pope Benedict XVI, young people are key to securing
a future of hope, despite a present gloom. The topics dealt with by the Pope are somewhat
similar to those included the New Year address of Taiwan’s president Ma Ying-jeou,
“Lighting Candles for the Next Generation”. Both leaders see education as an important
source.
CRA: This “time of uncertainty” as a result of the economic
and financial crisis was a focal point of the Holy Father’s address. How do you receive
the Holy Father’s call for moral renewal in response to the crisis?
Amb.
Wang: His Holiness was very clear that we should not despair in this moment of
crisis, but that we need to look forward with new commitment, new dialogue, new creativity
for ourselves and for the younger generations. We believe in reinforcing our commitment
to assist less fortunate nations or people in need.
CRA: Religious liberty
and the role of religion in shaping public discourse were also major concerns of the
Holy Father. How does your country understand the role of religion in public life
– and is this question one that, as in many places at this time, is being re-examined
in the broader public discourse?
Amb. Wang: In spite of Taiwan’s industrialization
and technological progress, religions have become a visible part of its modern landscape.
Technological progress has not lead to the demise of religion. On the contrary, it
has intensified religion and helped it reach a larger audience. Religious activity
is intense and interreligious dialogue is thriving. Just one example: a “World Religions
Museum” aimed at forming a meeting place for people of all faiths and those in search
of one in order to work together for the construction of peace in the world was inaugurated
in Taipei in 2000, 12 years ago. It is a place where all can easily learn to respect
each other and to share their religious experience under the universal principles
of freedom, tolerance, democracy and respect for human dignity that His Holiness is
mentioning in his address to the Diplomatic Corps. Listen