VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV offered his blessings and prayers for peace in Taiwan during a brief encounter with a pair of Taiwanese newlyweds at the Vatican earlier this week, according to a report from Taiwan News.

The meeting took place during a general audience on Wednesday, when the Pope warmly greeted Justin Wu and Chen Szu-ying, who were married in May and were visiting the Holy See as part of Taiwan’s delegation to the Global 2033 conference.

According to a Facebook post by Taiwan’s diplomatic mission to the Holy See, Pope Leo’s expression reportedly lit up upon hearing that the couple was from Taiwan. He assured them of his prayers, expressing hope that Taiwan would remain free from war.

Wu and Chen had waited more than five hours in the summer heat outside St. Peter’s Square for the opportunity to see the pontiff. Their visit was part of the 1-5 June international Catholic gathering, which brought together 171 participants from over 70 countries.

In remarks shared by Chen, the couple noted how Taiwan was well-known among attendees, many of whom concluded their group prayers by saying, “Taiwan will be safe.”

The Vatican remains Taiwan’s sole diplomatic ally in Europe. Last month, former Vice President Chen Chien-jen represented President Lai Ching-te at the 18 May inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost of the United States.