Pope Praises Taiwan for Religious Freedom

Pope John Paul II praised Taiwan for respecting religious freedom as the Vatican welcomed the island's new ambassador.

"The Republic of China has shown its respect for the various religious traditions found therein and recognizes the right of all to practice their religion," John Paul said, using Taiwan's official name.

John Paul received Ambassador Chou-seng Tou, who was presenting his credentials as Taiwan's new envoy to the Holy See, one of only 27 governments to maintain full diplomatic relations with Taipei.

Taiwan's arch-rival, China, broke relations with the Vatican decades ago after the communists took power, and they have never been restored.

The pope said that all societies "must strive to give their citizens the necessary freedom to realize fully their true vocation" and that the advancement of freedom "requires first and foremost the free exercise of religion in society."