Pope Francis praised Singapore’s culture, inclusiveness, and support for the vulnerable during a press conference on Sep. 13 (Sep. 14 Singapore time) aboard the papal plane. The 87-year-old pontiff shared his observations following his three-day visit to the city-state, highlighting its cleanliness, polite populace, and impressive religious culture. He also addressed the issue of fair wages for migrant workers and commented on Singapore’s international appeal, particularly noting the upcoming Formula 1 race. When asked about the death penalty in Singapore, the Pope reiterated his stance against it, stating it “doesn’t work” and should be abolished.
Background
Pope Francis’s visit to Singapore was part of a broader tour of Southeast Asia, which included stops in Timor-Leste and other countries. This visit marked the first time a pope had visited Singapore since Pope John Paul II’s brief stopover in 1986. During his stay, Pope Francis engaged in various activities, including celebrating mass at the National Stadium, visiting St Theresa’s Home, and participating in an inter-religious meeting at Catholic Junior College.
Observations on Singapore
Responding to questions from The Straits Times, Pope Francis described Singapore as the “New York of the East,” noting its development, cleanliness, and polite citizens. He was particularly impressed by the inter-religious meeting, calling it a “model of fraternity.” The Pope observed that while Singapore boasts luxurious skyscrapers, even the less grand buildings were well-maintained, indicating a lack of discrimination. He was also struck by the culture, especially among students, and remarked on the friendliness of Singapore’s residents, who are “always smiling.”
Thoughts on the death penalty
When questioned by a journalist from Germany’s ARD about the death penalty in Singapore, Pope Francis admitted that the issue had not come to mind during his visit. However, he reaffirmed his position that the death penalty is ineffective and should be eliminated. “Many countries have the law but do not carry out the sentence. The United States is the same… But the death penalty must be stopped. It’s not right; it’s not right,” he stated.
Reflections on children and the future
Pope Francis also reflected on the differences he observed between Singapore and Timor-Leste, particularly noting the fewer number of children in Singapore. He emphasised the importance of children for the future, suggesting that this is something Singapore could learn from. “The future lies with children; consider this,” he added.
Singapore’s international appeal
Highlighting Singapore’s role on the global stage, Pope Francis praised the city-state for its ability to attract diverse cultures, calling it a “great capital.” He mentioned the upcoming Formula 1 race as an example of Singapore’s international appeal and its capacity to bring together people from various backgrounds.
Further reflections
Pope Francis concluded his remarks by reiterating the friendliness and warmth of Singapore’s residents. He expressed his appreciation for the city’s inclusiveness and support for the vulnerable, which he witnessed firsthand during his visit. The Pope’s observations and reflections provide a nuanced view of Singapore, acknowledging both its strengths and areas for potential growth.
