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.

A former Taiwan vice president will attend this weekend’s funeral of Pope Francis as the special envoy of President Lai Ching-te, the island’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday after it had earlier hoped that Lai would attend.

Taiwan's former Vice President Chen Chien-jen will attend Pope Francis' funeral, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, adding that he will go as the envoy of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.