TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan Ambassador to the Holy See Anthony Ho (賀忠義) conveyed greetings from President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to Pope Leo XIV Friday as the latter expressed his concern about tension in East Asia.

The Pontiff was speaking during his annual address to the diplomatic corps. As the Vatican is Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Europe, Ho attended the event with his spouse and the embassy staff, per CNA.

Pope Leo told the audience about his fears of rising tension in Asia, calling for the resolution of disputes through peaceful dialogue. The parties should avoid anything that could trigger conflicts, the Pontiff said, without mentioning any countries in the region by name.

Apart from conveying Lai’s greetings, Ho also thanked Pope Leo for praying on two occasions for the people in Taiwan affected by typhoons. The diplomat emphasized that Taiwan would continue its close partnership with the Holy See on issues of freedom, peace, justice, and human rights. Pope Leo expressed gratitude for Lai’s greetings and for Ho’s words.