TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday paid his respects to Pope Francis but could not confirm whether he would attend the pontiff's funeral. 

Lai said on X that he had visited the Taiwan Catholic Archdiocese of Taipei on behalf of the people of  Taiwan, per CNA. “May his vision of peace and reconciliation, equity and compassion long endure, and may he rest in peace,” Lai was quoted as saying. 

He was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois Wu (吳志中), Archbishop of Taipei Thomas Chung (鍾安住), and Bishop John Lee Keh-Mien (李克勉), president of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan. At the funeral hall, Lai burned incense, sprinkled holy water, laid flowers and fruit, presented wine, and bowed three times in tribute.

Asked by reporters whether he would attend the funeral at the Vatican in person or send the vice president, he did not respond.

Before the ceremony, Francois Wu told reporters that discussions were still ongoing. He said the Vatican is a diplomatic ally of Taiwan and that they are trying to find the most suitable representative to attend.

Wu added that the Vatican has to manage its international relations and it would be inappropriate for him to comment. He then reiterated that “we are still discussing it.”

He was asked by reporters about the tight schedule, with only 48 hours remaining until the funeral on Saturday. Wu responded that diplomats are doing everything they can.