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2002 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the R.O.C. and the Holy See, as well as the 80th anniversary of the first Apostolic Delegate to the R.O.C. To promote and secure friendly relations with the Vatican, the Directorate General of Posts is issuing a set of two stamps to commemorate the occasion. The stamps are scheduled to be released on September 20, 2002, with denominations of NT$5 and NT$17.
The NT$5 stamp, on the theme of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the R.O.C. and the Vatican, shows the flags of the R.O.C. and the Vatican, with the Office of the President of the R.O.C. and Saint Basilica in the background. The NT$17 stamp, on the theme of the 80th anniversary of the first Apostolic Delegate to the R.O.C., features the portrait of Archbishop Celso Costantini on the left and the flags of the R.O.C. and the Vatican and a group of doves that symbolize world peace on the right.
The Vatican is the only country that has diplomatic ties with the Republic of China in Western Europe. Sharing the same moral principles, respecting human rights, and loving peace and freedom, they have maintained a close and friendly relationship for sixty years. Celso Costantini was appointed as the first Apostolic Delegate to the R.O.C. in 1922. He admired and loved Chinese culture and respected Chinese traditions. He especially appreciated Chinese arts. He made great contributions in promoting mutual understanding between the R.O.C. and the Vatican. In 1935, Celso Costantini went back to the Vatican and was promoted to Under-Secretary of Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith. Because of his suggestions, the Pope agreed to let Chinese Catholics observe the traditions of performing rites in honor of Confucius and their ancestors. This resolved the problem of conflicting rites between the R.O.C. and the Holy See that had been a sticking point for several hundred years. It led to regular diplomatic relations between the R.O.C. and the Vatican. Consequently, Celso Costantini was presented a medal by the R.O.C. government and was made a cardinal by the Pope.