Taiwan’s St.Cecilia United String Orchestra from the Catholic Diocese of Taichung performed at the Pontifical International Marian Academy in the Vatican and attended a general audience with Pope Leo XIV on June 17, local time, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said on Thursday.

In a social media post, Lin said Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the orchestra from Taiwan during his remarks. During a group photo session, the pope praised and thanked the musicians for their performance and invited them to play an encore. 

Lin said the orchestra’s visit was part of the Foreign Ministry’s Taiwan Culture in Europe 2026 initiative. He added that cultural exchange allows Taiwan to connect with a broader audience through music, theater, and art. 

Taiwan’s ambassador to the Holy See, Anthony Ho (賀忠義), shared video footage of the event. Lin said he was deeply moved after watching it, noting the orchestra performed well-known songs, including “Tian Hei Hei” and “The Moon Represents My Heart,” bringing familiar Taiwanese melodies to the Vatican. 

The orchestra was founded at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Taichung under the encouragement of Maryknoll missionary Father Kurt Joseph Anderson, who has served in Taiwan for more than 50 years. In 2018, the government granted him ROC citizenship in recognition of his contributions. Lin, then Taichung mayor, said he arranged for the ID card to be delivered to the church, welcoming Anderson as a Taichung resident. 

Lin also thanked Ho, the diplomatic staff, Father Anderson, and the orchestra members for their efforts in showcasing Taiwan’s music to the Vatican.