On October 29, 2026, Ambassador Anthony Chung-Yi Ho and Counselor Chia-Wei Li of the Embassy were invited to attend the opening ceremony of the 2026–2027 academic year at the Pontifical Urbaniana University (PUU).
The ceremony, marked by solemnity and simplicity, brought together more than 300 participants, including faculty members, students, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The inauguration ceremony of the academic year featured remarks delivered, in turn, by several distinguished guests, including Archbishop Samuele Sangalli, Deputy Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization; Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome (the Pope himself being the Bishop of Rome); and Professor Vincenzo Buonomo, Pontifical Delegate and Rector of PUU.
The speakers encouraged students to devote themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and truth and to embrace community life during their studies, thereby laying a solid academic foundation for their future evangelizing mission. Cardinal Reina emphasized the central importance of the Diocese of Rome in the Catholic faith, as well as Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to fostering communion and promoting Synodality. Rector Buonomo also highlighted the role of technology in education in an increasingly globalized world, encouraging students to use it consciously and responsibly.
During the event, Ambassador Ho exchanged greetings and engaged in friendly conversations with PUU professors, the Rector of the Pontifical Urban College, and ambassadors accredited to the Holy See from various countries.
Following the ceremony, Ambassador Ho took a commemorative photo with Mika Tung Shen, a Taiwanese student pursuing a master’s degree at PUU, and extended his best wishes for a successful and rewarding academic year.
