TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – As the conclave to choose a new Pope continued at the Vatican on Thursday, lawmakers in Taiwan said they wanted President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to attend the papal inauguration.

The Holy See is Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Europe, but Lai was not invited to the funeral of Pope Francis. He sent former Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) to attend the April 26 event instead.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) said Taiwan would do its utmost to have the president attend the inauguration. The decision will be made by the Presidential Office, per CNA.

Asked about Chinese pressure in the decision to send former the former vice president to the funeral, the deputy foreign minister said it was not Taiwan that had been feeling the pressure. He added the Vatican had made the right decision based on the deep friendship between the two.

Legislators questioned whether Lai not attending the inauguration of the new pontiff would send the wrong signal about Taiwan-Vatican relations. As former Presidents Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) both visited the Holy See, Lai’s absence would fuel doubts about the future of the diplomatic relationship, according to KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯).

Deputy Minister Chen confirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would negotiate to achieve the president’s wishes, and send either the president or a special envoy to the Vatican for the papal inauguration.