Taiwan backs vulnerable youth, Congo schools and Marian art in Rome

Taiwan’s embassy to the Holy See marked the Month of Mary with three solidarity projects in Rome and Congo, including digital aid for vulnerable girls, equipment for two schools serving more than 1,200 students, and a Marian sculpture for PAMI. The moves pair humanitarian support with Catholic diplomacy ahead of a public musical event in Rome on June 16.

Why it matters: - Taiwan used the Month of Mary to pair faith-based diplomacy with practical aid for youth, schools and Catholic institutions. - The projects reached vulnerable girls in Rome and more than 1,200 students in the Democratic Republic of Congo. - The initiatives also reinforced Taiwan’s outreach to the Holy See and Catholic organizations through humanitarian and cultural ties.

What happened: - The Embassy of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) to the Holy See promoted three solidarity initiatives in May in Rome and the DRC. - On May 7, the embassy donated digital equipment to young women at the Institute of Santa Cecilia in Rome. - On May 27, the embassy partnered with the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, also known as CICM or Scheut Missionaries, to support two schools in Congo. - On May 28, the embassy donated a sculpture of the Virgin Mary to the Pontifical International Marian Academy, or PAMI.

The details: - The Institute of Santa Cecilia is run by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. - The Rome donation was meant to strengthen digital inclusion and broaden educational opportunities for girls from vulnerable backgrounds. - The institute serves minors in difficulty and supports their path toward personal independence. - Ambassador Anthony Chung-Yi Ho and Mrs. Ho presented roses to the sisters ahead of Mother’s Day as a gesture of appreciation. - The Congo effort included computers, printers and accessories for the Per Mpiana School Complex in Kinshasa and the Grupo Scholar Wanda Widi in Boma. - The school support will help strengthen educational activities and open new learning opportunities for more than 1,200 students. - The project also includes structured training programs for teachers and pupils. - Father Charles Phukuta Khonde, Superior General of CICM, said Taiwan’s humanitarian assistance is “a proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus to the people of DRC” and described Taiwan as an important partner of the Catholic Church in humanitarian aid. - The PAMI gift was a sculpture of the Virgin Mary by Taiwanese artist Lo Kuang-Wei using sea salt from Taiwan. - The artwork had previously been shown in Rome in the “Love and Peace Special Exhibition” organized by the embassy for the 2025 Jubilee. - PAMI received the sculpture as a sign of Marian devotion and friendship between peoples and cultures. - Father Stefano Cecchin, president of PAMI, said the gift reflects Mary’s universal role and pointed to Taiwan as an image of universal peace. - Ambassador Ho said the spirit of Our Lady reflects Taiwan’s willingness to spread love in the world and called resilience, generosity and care for others deeply Marian values.

Between the lines: - The embassy is using religious symbolism to advance a broader “Taiwan Can Help” message. - The donations also serve as soft-power diplomacy, linking Taiwan to education, humanitarian aid and Catholic identity. - The focus on youth and schools suggests Taiwan is targeting visible, people-centered projects that can produce immediate local impact.

What’s next: - The embassy and PAMI will co-host a musical event on June 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Basilica of Sant’Antonio al Laterano in Rome. - The event marks the 80th anniversary of PAMI. - The St. Cecilia String Orchestra from Taiwan will perform, and the event will be open to the public. - Ambassador Ho said the embassy will continue strengthening its partnership with the Holy See, Catholic churches and affiliated organizations to advance humanitarian assistance and create more opportunities for people in need.

The bottom line: - Taiwan is turning Marian devotion into concrete aid, while deepening ties with Catholic institutions in Rome and beyond.