TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's former Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) dispelled speculation Tuesday (May 13) regarding his potential attendance at Pope Leo XIV's upcoming inauguration Mass. Speaking to reporters, Chen confirmed he had received no official assignment to represent Taiwan at the papal ceremony scheduled for Sunday at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. His comments came just before he participated in a press conference for the "2025 WHA Global Forum — Universal Health Coverage" (2025WHA全球論壇－重塑全民均健).
Chen clarified that his attention remains centered on the World Health Assembly forum activities. The former vice president, who is also a distinguished epidemiologist, revealed he would indeed travel to Vatican City, but for a different purpose — to serve as both speaker and chair at a cancer seminar organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Chen underscored the robust diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Holy See, noting their mutual commitment to freedom, democracy, rule of law, and human rights as foundations for advancing global peace and prosperity.
When questioned about the United States government's initiative to substantially reduce pharmaceutical prices, Chen indicated that Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛生福利部) — the government agency overseeing public health policies — would collaborate with medical experts to assess potential implications. He offered reassurance that Taiwan's National Health Insurance system (健保), which provides universal coverage for citizens, offers adequate protection against market volatility. Chen advised maintaining careful oversight of the evaluation processes for new medications entering Taiwan and the ripple effects of international pharmaceutical pricing shifts.
Chen expressed admiration for Pope Leo XIV's early statements highlighting the significance of religious faith and freedom of expression in contemporary society. The former vice president, who is a devout Catholic himself, voiced strong confidence in the new pontiff's capacity to champion universal values on the global stage, reinforcing the importance of the Vatican's moral leadership in international affairs. ★