TAIPEI (TVBS News) — An indigenous children's choir from Taiwan's mountainous heartland delivered a stirring cultural performance at the Vatican on Wednesday (May 28), drawing enthusiastic response from an international audience. The Vox Nativa (原聲童聲合唱團) choir performed the traditional Bunun tribal song "Kipahpah ima" (Clapping Song, 拍手歌) before Pope Leo XIV's weekly public audience, eliciting sustained applause that echoed through St. Peter's Square.
The choir represents a remarkable educational initiative established in 2008 under the Vox Nativa Taiwan association (台灣原聲教育協會), drawing its young vocalists from indigenous communities near Yushan (玉山) — Taiwan's highest mountain — in central Nantou County. Under the direction of Bunun tribal educator Bukut Tasvaluan (馬彼得), the ensemble provides cultural and educational opportunities for children predominantly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Their ambitious European tour spans from May 25 to June 10, with scheduled performances across the Vatican, Rome, Berlin, various Polish cities, and Vienna.
The pontiff specifically recognized the Taiwanese performers during his address, acknowledging them alongside faithful visitors from several Asian nations including Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea. The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Holy See (台灣駐教廷大使館) — Taiwan's formal diplomatic mission to the Vatican, one of its few remaining official diplomatic allies — broadcast the cultural exchange live via Facebook. Viewers witnessed the infectious enthusiasm of the young indigenous singers, whose rhythmic performance inspired spontaneous participation from the diverse international audience. ◼