Taiwan is racing to secure President Lai Ching-te’s attendance to the funeral of Pope Francis, a trip that would give the island’s top official a rare chance to mix with other leaders.

On a visit to the archbishop’s residence, the president bowed three times before the pope’s picture. A Taiwanese delegation will travel to Vatican City led by former Vice President Chen Ch

A former Taiwan vice president will attend this weekend's funeral of Pope Francis as the special envoy of President Lai Ching-te, the island's foreign ministry said on Wednesday after it had earlier hoped that Lai would attend.