Pope Francis held a Holy Mass at the National Stadium in Singapore on 12 September, drawing around 50,000 attendees. The Mass, part of his three-day papal visit, began at 5:15 pm. The event saw members of the Catholic community and other attendees gather to witness the Pope’s address and participate in the religious ceremony.
Background
This visit marks the first time since November 1986 that a Pope has visited Singapore, the last being Pope John Paul II. The Mass was a significant event for the local Catholic community, highlighting the church’s growth and engagement in interfaith dialogue. The National Stadium, with a seating capacity of 55,000, served as the venue for this historic occasion.
Attendees flock early, some held up placards
Attendees began arriving as early as 11:45 am, forming long queues to pass through security checks. Many were dressed in yellow, symbolising the theme of “Unity and Hope”. To shield themselves from the sun, people used umbrellas while waiting in line. Inside the stadium, those seated under the sun also used umbrellas. Placards and banners with messages like “Viva Papa” (Long live the Pope) were prominently displayed.
Kallang Wave for Pope
In a unique welcome, the crowd performed the iconic Singapore “Kallang Wave” as Pope Francis entered the stadium. The Mass commenced with a procession of altar servers, adding to the ceremonial atmosphere.
Pope greets attendees on Popemobile
Pope Francis toured the stadium in a special buggy, accompanied by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh. He waved to the enthusiastic crowd, blessed children, and handed out tokens. Some children even managed to take selfies with the Pope before the Mass began.
Pope Francis’ homily
The Holy Mass, led by Pope Francis, started at 5:15 pm and was followed by a post-Mass celebration at 6:45 pm. In his homily, the Pope reflected on the last papal visit to Singapore by Pope John Paul II in 1986. He praised the Catholic Church in Singapore for being “rich in gifts”, vibrant, and engaged in constructive dialogue with other religions. He emphasised that love, not money or technical ability, is the foundation of all positive undertakings. Quoting Pope John Paul II, he highlighted the importance of respecting all people regardless of their differences and urged attendees to share God’s love, respond to the needs of the poor, and show compassion to those in sorrow.
Future engagements
On the final day of his visit, 13 September, Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the residents of Saint Theresa’s Home and lead an interreligious dialogue with youths at Catholic Junior College. He is expected to depart from Singapore Changi Airport at 11:20 am.
