Ensuring Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te can attend this weekend's funeral of Pope Francis is currently the "most important aim" for Taipei's foreign ministry, Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu said on Wednesday.

Taiwan is racing to secure President Lai Ching-te’s attendance to the funeral of Pope Francis, a trip that would give the island’s top official a rare chance to mix with other leaders.

The Vatican is one of only 12 countries to maintain formal relations with diplomatically isolated Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, writing on his X account, sent his condolences on behalf of the island's people.