Taipei: The newly elected Pope Leo XIV is expected to take a cautious approach towards China-Taiwan-Vatican relations, as per Taiwanese scholar Chiang Kuo-hsiung. Chiang, who has extensively studied Vatican affairs, suggests that the new pontiff will not prioritize the cross-strait issue amidst numerous global challenges.

According to Focus Taiwan, Chiang emphasized in an interview that Taiwan should concentrate on supporting the Holy See's mission for global welfare instead of worrying about immediate diplomatic shifts. Pope Leo XIV, who assumed the role on May 8 as the 267th head of the Catholic Church, leads the Holy See, which remains Taiwan's sole diplomatic ally in Europe.

Chiang, residing in Italy and a former senior editor at Vatican Radio, noted that despite Beijing's efforts to influence Vatican-Taiwan relations, Taiwan need not be overly concerned. He described the Vatican's diplomatic style as deliberate and not prone to hasty decisions, unlike the actions often associated with U.S. presidencies.

While political analysts are attuned to the implications of the Pope's election, Chiang reiterated that the Holy See prioritizes religious unity and global human welfare. The Pope's immediate focus, he indicated, would likely revolve around addressing global suffering related to ongoing conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as tensions between India and Pakistan.

Chiang advised that Taiwan should align itself with the Holy See's humanitarian goals, suggesting that by doing so, it can contribute to the stability of its relationship with the Vatican. Supporting the new Pope's global mission, he argued, would be beneficial for Taiwan's diplomatic strategy.