On September 9, 2026, Ambassador Anthony C. Y. Ho and Madam Ho, accompanied by Counselor David Li and Secretary Carrie Kuo, visited the Lateran Palace to represent the Government of Taiwan at a donation ceremony in support of the Diocese of Rome’s Youth Community Center, “Working in Progress,” and the Solidarity Emporiums Project. The ceremony was presided by His Eminence Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome. Also in attendance were Fr. Giulio Albanese, Director of the Diocese of Rome’s Office for Social Communications; Mr. Giustino Trincia, Director of Caritas di Roma; Fr. Aldo Buonaiuto, Deputy Director of Caritas di Roma; and other members of the Caritas.
Cardinal Reina noted that although Rome is a beautiful city, social inequalities resulting from disparities in wealth and development between urban and rural areas continue to worsen. He expressed his sincere gratitude to Taiwan for its generous support of the Diocese of Rome’s humanitarian assistance initiatives. In a world facing challenges from war and violence, cooperation between Taiwan and the Diocese of Rome represents “a very beautiful symbol of hope.”
Mr. Giustino Trincia, Director of Caritas di Roma, stated that the two projects supported by Taiwan embody a testimony to charity. He noted that the initiatives give concrete expression to the core teaching of the first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, issued by the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV— to “safeguard the dignity of the humanity.”
Ambassador Ho stated that Taiwan is a force for good in the world. Guided by President Lai’s vision of “value-based diplomacy,” Taiwan is committed to working with partners around the world to bring solidarity, assistance, and care wherever the need arises. Taiwan looks forward to continuing its cooperation with the Diocese of Rome, turning compassion into action, action into hope, and hope into a better future.
