Pope Francis on one of his many travels© L'Osservatore Romano

Pope Francis on one of his many travels© L'Osservatore Romano

Trip to Taiwan of Pope Francis Is Not Being Planned, Says Holy Press Office Director Greg Burke

Vatican Affirms That During Oct. 14 Canonization, Pope Was Reinvited, But Clarifies Trip by Holy Father Is Not Being Planned

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The Pope is not planning a visit to Taiwan, has stated the Holy See.
In an Oct. 19 statement issued by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Greg Burke, he affirmed that Taiwan’s Deputy President, Chen Chien-jen, during the brief courtesy greeting during the Oct. 14 Canonization of seven saints, in the «context, strictly religious,»reiterated his invitation for the Pope to visit Taiwan.
«In this regard,» Greg Burke stated, «I am able to state that such a visit by the Holy Father is not being planned.»
Here is the full Vatican-provided English text of the statement:
**
The Canonization of Pope Paul VI and another six Blesseds was attended by various Delegations, including one from Taiwan, led by the Deputy President, H.E. Mr. Chen Chien-jen.
Before the Holy Mass, there was a brief courtesy greeting to Pope Francis by the Heads of the Delegations, in accordance with the Protocol for such occasions.
In this context, strictly religious, the Deputy President Mr. Chen reiterated his invitation to the Pope to visit Taiwan.
In this regard, I am able to state that such a visit by the Holy Father is not being planned.
 

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Deborah Castellano Lubov

Deborah Castellano Lubov is Senior Vatican & Rome Correspondent for ZENIT; author of 'The Other Francis' ('L'Altro Francesco') featuring interviews with those closest to the Pope and preface by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin (currently published in 5 languages); Deborah is also NBC & MSNBC Vatican Analyst. She often covers the Pope's travels abroad, often from the Papal Flight (including for historic trips such as to Abu Dhabi and Japan & Thailand), and has also asked him questions on the return-flight press conference on behalf of the English-speaking press present. Lubov has done much TV & radio commentary, including for NBC, Sky, EWTN, BBC, Vatican Radio, AP, Reuters and more. She also has contributed to various books on the Pope and has written for various Catholic publications. For 'The Other Francis': http://www.gracewing.co.uk/page219.html or https://www.amazon.com/Other-Francis-Everything-They-about/dp/0852449348/

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