Vatican City (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Benedict XVI on Wednesday appointed two Taiwanese experts to the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care. They are Mgr Peter Liu, archbishop of Kaohsiung, and Dr Tsou Kuo-inn, dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Fu Jen Catholic University.

“Among the 29 newly named consultants of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, Liu and Tsou are the only two Asian appointees,” the Ambassador of Taiwan to the Holy See Larry Y.Y. Wang said. “This represents a significant recognition of their performances in missionary work and the practice of medicine.”

Set up by Pope John Paul II in February 1985, the council provides assistance, care and comfort to the sick and their families in different dioceses around the world.

Liu served as the bishop of Kaohsiung for three years before being promoted to the area’s archbishop in 2009.

He said he was grateful for the designation. “I will devote myself to working closely with the committee in supporting those in need.”

Dr Tsou Kuo-inn is an expert in paediatrics and intensive care medicine.