Pope Francis stayed in a converted meeting room in a former seminary in Punggol during his visit to Singapore. On the first night of his three-day visit, he was greeted by well-wishers as early as 6:30 am. A media tour on 16 September revealed his humble lodgings at the St Francis Xavier Retreat Centre, as reported by The Straits Times. The largest pieces of furniture in his room were a wooden bed, a desk with a bottle of Acqua Panna mineral water, a straight-backed chair, and a small shrine. His only special request was for a fridge to store gelato, according to the centre’s property manager, Helen Seah.
Background
Pope Francis chose the St Francis Xavier Retreat Centre for its simplicity, aligning with his humble nature. Valerie Siew, spokesperson for the papal visit organising committee, stated that the Pope preferred the centre because it is a “simple place.” This choice reflects his consistent message of humility and modest living, even during international visits.
The Pope’s humble lodgings
The pontiff’s room was modestly furnished, with only essential items. Helen Seah mentioned, “He loves ice cream. We had a mini fridge, but we needed a bigger one for the freezer.” A larger fridge was borrowed and stocked with store-bought tubs of gelato. Seah did not disclose the specific flavours requested but noted that a few different ones were provided, and two tubs were left behind.
Items preserved
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore plans to archive some items used by the Pope during his visit. These include the vestments he wore for the mass on 12 September and a booklet he used. Valerie Siew explained that these items would be assessed by archivists and stored in temperature- and humidity-controlled rooms. If Pope Francis is canonised after his death, these items could become relics, following the tradition of some of his predecessors.
Significance of the visit
Pope Francis’s visit to Singapore was part of a broader tour through Asia, which included a record-setting final mass in East Timor. His stay in Singapore, one of the world’s richest countries, contrasted sharply with his previous stops. The Pope’s choice of humble accommodations and minimal special requests highlighted his commitment to simplicity and humility, resonating with many of his followers.
Future implications
The items preserved from Pope Francis’s visit may hold significant religious value in the future, especially if he is canonised. This visit also underscores the Pope’s ongoing efforts to promote humility and simplicity, values that are increasingly relevant in today’s world. The archiving of his belongings serves as a reminder of his impactful visit and the lasting impression he left on the people of Singapore.
