Pope Francis spoke at the National University of Singapore (NUS) on Sep. 12, addressing topics such as Singapore’s growth and diversity, the Catholic Church’s contributions, Singapore’s international role, and the environmental crisis. He also highlighted the importance of family, warning of challenges from “current social conditions.” This visit marks the second time a Pope has visited Singapore, the first in 38 years.
Background
Pope Francis landed in Singapore on Sep. 11. He arrived at Parliament House at about 9am on Sep. 12, receiving a ceremonial welcome. He will preside over a Mass at the National Stadium and visit the sick and elderly at Saint Theresa’s Home on Sep. 13. He will also participate in an interreligious dialogue with youths at Catholic Junior College.
Praised Singapore’s story as one of ‘growth & resilience’
Addressing a packed auditorium at the NUS Cultural Centre, Pope Francis thanked Singapore authorities for their warm welcome. Notable attendees included Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, former Presidents Tony Tan and Halimah Yacob, and several ministers.
Pope Francis described Singapore’s story as one of “growth and resilience,” attributing its success to rational decisions rather than chance. He noted the impressive skyline and highlighted the 101st anniversary of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s birth, crediting him with the nation’s rapid growth and transformation.
He praised Singapore’s commitment to social justice and the common good, particularly through public housing, education, and healthcare policies. “I hope that these efforts will continue until all Singaporeans are able to benefit from them fully,” he said.
Warned against over-focusing on pragmatism & merit
Pope Francis acknowledged the potential downsides of focusing too much on pragmatism and merit, which could exclude those on society’s margins. He commended existing policies to protect the vulnerable but urged special attention to the poor, elderly, and migrant workers. “These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage,” he stated.
He also cautioned against the isolating effects of the digital age and artificial intelligence, stressing the need for real human relationships. “These technologies should be used to bring us closer together by promoting understanding and solidarity, and never to isolate ourselves in a dangerously false and intangible reality,” he added.
Praised Singapore’s ‘positive inclusiveness’
Before Pope Francis’s speech, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam spoke about Singapore’s multi-racial, multi-religious, and multi-cultural society. He praised Pope Francis for promoting harmony and dialogue between different groups and faiths.
Pope Francis acknowledged Singapore’s “mosaic of ethnicities, cultures and religions living together in harmony,” attributing this to impartial public authorities engaging in constructive dialogue. He stressed the importance of “mutual respect, cooperation, dialogue and the freedom to exercise one’s beliefs within the confines of the law.”
Family may be threatened by social conditions: Pope Francis
President Tharman thanked the Catholic Church for its contributions to Singapore, particularly in education and healthcare. Pope Francis echoed this, noting the Church’s ongoing humanitarian efforts and promotion of interreligious dialogue.
He warned that “current social conditions” challenge the foundations of family life and commended efforts to promote, protect, and support family unity.
Singapore has a role to play in the world
President Tharman highlighted global challenges such as the weakening of the global order, conflicts, and growing intolerance. Pope Francis agreed, noting the threats of conflicts and wars, and emphasised Singapore’s “specific role” on the international stage.
He praised Singapore’s promotion of multilateralism and a rules-based order, urging the nation to work for the common good. Pope Francis also highlighted the environmental crisis, encouraging Singapore to leverage its unique position to drive innovation for environmental sustainability. “Your unique location gives you access to capital, technology and talent, resources that can drive innovation in order to take better care of our common home,” he said.
