Pope Francis has arrived in Singapore to commence the final stage of his extensive 12-day Apostolic Journey across Asia and Oceania.
This leg of the journey marks the culmination of his longest papal trip to date, which has already taken him to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.
The Holy Father landed at Changi Airport on Wednesday, September 11, where he was warmly welcomed by Singaporean officials and residents. The excitement among the local community was palpable as preparations for his visit continued.
During his stay in Singapore, Pope Francis will focus on enhancing interfaith dialogue and engaging with both the local Catholic community and the broader public. On Friday, he is scheduled to meet with young people from various religious backgrounds at the Junior Catholic College, emphasizing his commitment to fostering harmony among different faiths.
Sister Theresa Seow Lee Huang, vice chairperson of the Archdiocese and Council for Interreligious Dialogue, expressed hope that the Pope’s visit will invigorate interfaith efforts in Singapore. She sees this as an opportunity to build lasting momentum for peace and collaboration among the city-state’s diverse religious communities.
Singapore’s religious landscape is characterized by its multicultural and multi-religious diversity, with a significant presence of Buddhists, Muslims, Taoists, and Hindus, alongside a Catholic minority. The Pope’s visit is seen as an important moment for promoting unity and addressing issues such as social cohesion and the challenges faced by the elderly.
Jacob Soo, Executive Director of the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, highlighted the visit’s potential to encourage empathy and inclusivity. He views it as a chance to address concerns related to migration and integration within the city-state.
Victor Seng of St. Theresa’s Home for the elderly shared the residents’ anticipation for the Pope’s visit, noting that it brings joy and a sense of honor to those living in the care facility.
The Pope’s schedule includes private meetings with Singapore’s President, Prime Minister, and former Prime Minister, as well as public addresses and a Mass at Singapore National Stadium expected to draw a significant number of attendees. His visit underscores his ongoing dedication to interfaith dialogue and social issues, reinforcing his commitment to addressing global challenges such as wealth inequality and climate change.
