On Thursday, Pope Francis offered high praise to Singapore for its exemplary efforts in fostering a united society built on harmony and cooperation.
He acknowledged the city’s rapid progress but also pointed out potential risks, including the impact on families, human relationships, and the most vulnerable members of society.
Just a day after arriving in Singapore, often referred to as the “Lion City,” the Pope had separate meetings with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Parliament House on September 12.
During these meetings, he expressed admiration for the dedication of Singapore’s leaders, past and present, in promoting unity amidst the country’s rich diversity of ethnicities, religions, and cultures.
A Message of Hope and Wisdom
In his visit, the Pope emphasized the importance of wisdom in guiding Singapore towards continued unity and hope.
Writing in the honor book at Parliament House, he likened this guiding wisdom to the star that led the Magi, wishing that it would always direct Singapore in its quest to build a cohesive society.
Singapore, with a population of about 5.9 million, is one of the wealthiest nations globally, ranked fourth by Global Finance in 2024 with a GDP of $133,737.
Since its independence in 1965 under the leadership of its first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, the nation has undergone significant growth and transformation.
A Call for Inclusivity and Compassion
During his address at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Pope praised the country’s innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
However, he also urged leaders to remain mindful of the less fortunate, including the poor, elderly, and migrant workers, who should not be left behind in the country’s progress.
He cautioned against the risks of prioritizing pragmatism and merit above all else, which could lead to the exclusion of marginalized groups from the benefits of economic advancement.
The Pope commended Singapore’s policies aimed at supporting vulnerable populations and emphasized the importance of protecting the dignity and fair wages of migrant workers.
Concerns About Family Life and Human Relationships
With Singapore facing a rapidly aging population and low fertility rates, the Pope expressed concern about the impact on family life and human relationships.
He stressed that technological advancements and the rise of artificial intelligence should not overshadow the need for genuine, meaningful connections between people.
The Pope pointed out that current social conditions pose challenges to the foundational values of family life, which are crucial for nurturing solid and healthy relationships.
He urged that families be supported in their role of imparting these values to the younger generation.
Looking Ahead
On the final day of his extended apostolic journey to Asia and Oceania, Pope Francis will visit St. Theresa’s Home, a Catholic nursing facility, to meet with the elderly.
He will also participate in a youth-led interreligious meeting at Catholic Junior College, celebrate a private Mass, and hold a private meeting with clergy and religious figures.
In this visit, Pope Francis has highlighted the importance of balancing rapid progress with compassion and inclusivity, ensuring that all members of society can share in the benefits of advancement.