Embassy of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) and Scalabrinian Missionaries Strengthen Cooperation in Support of Migrants and Vulnerable Communities

Rome, 11 September 2026 — H.E. Ambassador Anthony C. Y. Ho, accompanied by Mrs. Ho and staff members of the Embassy of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) to the Holy See, visited the General House of the Missionaries of St. Charles – Scalabrinians in Rome on Friday, 11 September 2026.

During the visit, Ambassador Ho and the delegation held a donation ceremony and a meeting with Rev. Fr. Leonir Chiarello, CS, Superior General of the Missionaries of St. Charles – Scalabrinians, alongside members of the General Council. The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange views on the spiritual and humanitarian challenges faced by migrants and refugees, as well as opportunities for strengthening cooperation in support of vulnerable populations.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ho noted that it is a great honor to represent the Taiwan Government in presenting a donation of US$100,000 to the Scalabrinian Congregation – through the Scalabrini International Migration Network (SIMN) and Stella Maris – in support of its worldwide humanitarian assistance efforts and pastoral care for fishers at sea and international migrant workers. Ambassador Ho emphasized that Taiwan’s financial support will help the Scalabrinian Congregation expand and strengthen the programs and activities of the Stella Maris Network and enhance collaboration with Catholic organizations in support of migrants and vulnerable communities.

The Superior General, Fr. Leonir Chiarello, expressed his sincere gratitude for the Taiwan government’s support and the Embassy’s assistance. He emphasized the importance of shared responsibility and commitment to supporting migrants and people on the move as a crucial driving force for social transformation and international peaceful coexistence.

This year, the Embassy of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) to the Holy See is promoting the theme H.O.P.E. – Humanity, Opportunities, Partnership, Encounter, emphasizing the importance of human dignity, humanitarian action, opportunities for vulnerable communities, and partnerships that contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Through its humanitarian initiatives and close collaboration with the Catholic Church, the Embassy seeks to support efforts that have a tangible impact on the lives of people experiencing vulnerability and hardship. The meeting with the Scalabrinian Congregation highlighted a shared commitment to promoting human dignity and responding concretely to the needs of migrants and other vulnerable populations.

The Missionaries of St. Charles – Scalabrinians have a particular charism and mission dedicated to accompanying migrants and people on the move. The Congregation carries out its mission primarily through parishes and chaplaincies, as well as a worldwide network of 52 Houses and Migrant Centers and 16 Centers of the Apostleship of the Sea, which provide pastoral and humanitarian assistance to migrants, seafarers and maritime workers.

In 2025, these centers provided services and assistance to more than 700,000 people, offering a wide range of religious, social, and humanitarian support tailored to the needs of migrants, refugees, seafarers and their families.

The meeting reaffirmed the value of partnership and dialogue between the Embassy and the Scalabrinian Congregation, opening further opportunities for cooperation in initiatives aimed at promoting human dignity, solidarity, and concrete assistance to people in situations of vulnerability and mobility.

On behalf of the Provincial Administration, we express our heartfelt thanks for this support of  humanitarian activities for migrants and seafarers, especially in Asia.

SFCP Media Office