TAIPEI (UCAN) -- The Holy See has announced that it has assigned its charge d'affaires in Taipei to leave Taiwan and to work at the Vatican, reportedly to assist Pope John Paul II in his English speeches and documents.

Monsignor James Patrick Green, the outgoing Vatican delegate in the Taipei-based Apostolic Nunciature in China, is scheduled to leave Taiwan Feb. 14 after having served there since January 2002.

The American priest's post is to be filled by Monsignor Ambrose Madtha, a 48-year-old Indian, who last served in Albania. Monsignor Madtha arrived in Taipei on Feb. 9. The incoming diplomat previously served in El Salvador and Ghana, and is fluent in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

The Central News Agency of the Taiwan government reported on Feb. 7 that Monsignor Green will work on the pope's English speeches and documents. A Vatican source told UCA News Feb. 10 that Monsignor Green is expected to work at the English-language desk of the general affairs office in the Vatican's Secretariat of State. The source said it came as a surprise that Monsignor Green would leave his Taiwan post after only one year because he has developed good relations with Taiwan's Church leaders.

Father John Baptist Wu Chung-yuan, secretary general of Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference in Taiwan, told UCA News Feb. 10 the Vatican announcement came unexpectedly, some time before Feb. 1, Lunar New Year's Day. Nonetheless, he said he thinks the change will not affect Taiwan's links with the Vatican.

Father Wu added that Monsignor Green was the first charge d'affaires in Taiwan regularly to offer two English Masses each week at Holy Family Church in downtown Taipei. He said also the American priest seemed reluctant to leave Taiwan after having become acquainted with the local Church.

The bishops' conference will hold receptions to bid farewell to Monsignor Green and to welcome Monsignor Madtha on Feb. 11 and 12 respectively.

Father Wu also said that Taiwan's President Taiwan Chen Shui-bian is scheduled to meet both diplomats Feb. 13. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will present a medal of appreciation to Monsignor Green. A ministry spokesperson told UCA News Feb. 10 that the medal conferment on outgoing diplomats is in gratitude for their service to Taiwan.

In early December, Monsignor Green attended a international symposium sponsored by Taiwan's foreign ministry to mark the 60th anniversary of Sino-Vatican relations at Fu Jen Catholic University.

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