TAIPEI (Reuters) - 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.

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. Taiwan said in April that it would send envoys of the "appropriate level" to the funeral given the deep friendship between the island and the Vatican.