Taiwan is racing to secure President Lai Ching-te’s attendance to the funeral of Pope Francis, a trip that would give the island’s top official a rare chance to mix with other leaders.

On a visit to the archbishop’s residence, the president bowed three times before the pope’s picture. A Taiwanese delegation will travel to Vatican City led by former Vice President Chen Ch

Taiwanese President William Lai will not attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, with Vice President Chen Chien-jen representing him, local media reported on Wednesday. The Vatican is the only State in Europe that has formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan,