The government is paying tribute to Pope Francis following his death and says
it will send a envoy to attend his funeral.

President Lai Ching-te instructed Taiwan's Embassy to the Holy See to extend
sincere condolences on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan to the
Vatican on hearing of Francis' death.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung also contacted the Apostolic Nunciature of the
Holy See in Taipei to express the government's condolences.

Senior government officials will attend a memorial mass in Taipei for the
late pope to be organized by the Vatican's representative office in Taipei.

The foreign ministry says Pope Francis' humility, caring for all of humanity,
and active call for world peace will always be remembered by Taiwan's people
and its government ..

... Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation with the Holy See and the
Catholic Church on humanitarian assistance to jointly promote world peace and
safeguard the core values of democratic values.

The Presidential Office and the Executive Yuan will fly their flags at
half-mast for two days to mourn the death of Pope Francis.

The foreign ministry says as Taiwan and the Holy See enjoy close diplomatic
ties, Lai will pick a high-level official to serve as his special envoy to
attend Pope Francis' funeral.