SINGAPORE: Pope Francis arrived in Singapore on Wednesday, marking the final destination of his extensive 12-day tour across the Asia-Pacific region. This visit is intended to strengthen the Catholic Church’s presence and engagement in the world’s most populous area. The 87-year-old pontiff’s arrival at Changi Airport was met with enthusiastic crowds waving Vatican and Singaporean flags, highlighting the significance of his visit.
Throughout his tour, which has included stops in Jakarta, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis has demonstrated remarkable endurance despite health challenges. He has undergone hernia surgery in recent years and faces ongoing respiratory issues, necessitating the use of a wheelchair, walking sticks, or assistance from aides. Nevertheless, he has carried out numerous public engagements, energizing crowds with his dynamic presence and enduring the harsh tropical heat.
In East Timor, the pope celebrated a mass attended by 600,000 people, nearly half of the nation’s population. His visit to Singapore, a financial hub with a diverse religious landscape, aims to convey messages of peace, unity, and interfaith dialogue. Singapore’s population includes about 30% Buddhists, 20% non-religious individuals, and a mix of Catholics, Protestants, Taoists, and Hindus.
The pontiff’s visit is expected to focus on global issues such as interreligious harmony, international peace, equitable development, and climate change. Michel Chambon, a Christianity expert at the National University of Singapore, anticipates that the pope will address these themes as part of his ongoing efforts to connect with global and regional issues.
For Asia’s Catholic community, the visit has been a profound experience, linking them to the broader Catholic Church despite the region’s diverse and often challenging religious landscape. Although Catholicism has been in Asia for over 800 years, it has remained a minority faith amidst local religions, communism, and atheism.
Singapore’s faithful have shown considerable excitement about the visit, even as the city’s streets lack the vibrant display of Vatican-related merchandise seen in other locations. For many, like Veronique Dawson, a local homemaker recovering from an injury, the visit represents a significant and inspiring event, reinforcing the Church’s role in civil society and fostering a sense of shared faith and community.
