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 will send envoys of the "appropriate level" to Pope Francis' funeral given the deep friendship between the island and the Vatican, the Taiwanese foreign ministry said on Monday, expressing condolences to one of its few remaining allies.