Pope attends Pontifical Academy meeting, stresses science-faith harmony and prays for Taiwan

The Pontifical Academy of Sciences plenary session, held in Rome every two years, focuses on the dialogue between science and faith, bringing together leading global researchers and religious leaders. This assembly drew particular attention as it marked the first time Pope Leo XIV engaged face-to-face with world-class scientists on this platform since taking office. The Pope's attendance not only symbolizes the Catholic Church's openness to scientific development but also demonstrates the willingness of religious institutions to collaborate with the academic community on public issues. During the conference, the Pope emphasized in his address that "science and faith are not opposed, but mutually illuminating," setting a harmonious and constructive tone for the meeting.

Academia Sinica President Chen Chien-jen, who attended the conference, recalled the details of his meeting with the Pope in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency. President Chen stated that during the audience, the Pope specifically mentioned having prayed for Taiwan multiple times during natural disasters and having provided post-disaster donations to assist with relief efforts. This made him feel that the Pope's care extends beyond the spiritual level into concrete humanitarian aid. President Chen said he was deeply encouraged by the Pope's response that he "will continue to pray for Taiwan," which also demonstrates the Holy See's long-term attention to the natural disasters faced by the Taiwanese people. This exchange is not only an interaction at the personal level, but also symbolizes potential areas for cooperation between Taiwan and the Vatican in public health, disaster prevention, and relief.

In recent years, Taiwan has frequently encountered natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and torrential rain, leading to a continuously rising demand for disaster relief. Since 2016, Taiwan has repeatedly received assistance from the international community, including disaster relief teams and supplies from countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The Pope's prayers and donations have brought Taiwan another form of cross-religious and cross-border spiritual support. Such backing is particularly important during the post-disaster reconstruction phase, because beyond physical supplies, public concern and blessings from the outside world can often enhance the psychological resilience of recovery. The Holy See's charitable funds have also assisted other disaster-stricken countries in the past, highlighting its increasingly prominent role in the international humanitarian relief system.

From a diplomatic perspective, interactions between Taiwan and the Vatican have remained relatively low-key. Although the two do not have formal diplomatic ties, exchanges in the religious and cultural fields continue. The Pope's concern for Taiwan provides soft power that, to a certain extent, helps Taiwan garner more friendly voices on the international stage. Especially against the backdrop of frequent global climate change and disasters, the voices of religious leaders can arouse the international community's attention toward vulnerable regions, further fostering multilateral cooperation. President Chen Chien-jen's remarks also highlight the consensus and foundation for cooperation that the scientific and religious communities can form on public issues, laying a basis of trust for future cross-disciplinary cooperation in fields such as disaster prevention and public health.

In conclusion, the meeting between Pope Leo XIV and President Chen Chien-jen at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences plenary session is not merely a symbolic courtesy, but a practical embodiment of the intertwining of science, faith, and humanitarian concern. The Pope's continuous prayers and practical donations provide dual spiritual and material support for Taiwan in the face of natural disasters. Meanwhile, Academia Sinica, as Taiwan's premier academic institution, can enhance Taiwan's visibility and influence in the global scientific and humanitarian spheres through such international platforms. If cooperation between the two sides in disaster early warning, climate change research, and disaster relief resource integration can be further deepened in the future, it will help enhance the resilience and security of Taiwan and even the Asia-Pacific region.