Pope Francis is set to visit Singapore from September 11 to 13, marking his first trip to the island nation. Leaders from ten different religious communities have shared their thoughts on the significance of this visit, highlighting its importance for interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.
## Background
Pope Francis’ visit to Singapore is a momentous occasion, especially for the local Catholic community, which numbers around 395,000. The visit includes stops at St Theresa’s Home, Catholic Junior College, and a mass at the National Stadium. The Pope’s focus on inter-religious dialogue aligns with Singapore’s multicultural and multi-religious society, making this visit particularly impactful.
## Hindu community
K Sengkuttuvan, chairman of the Hindu Advisory Board, expressed a warm welcome to Pope Francis. “Your call for all believers to cultivate peace in mutual respect, free from proselytism and impediments, has augured well with the Hindu diaspora,” he said.
## Jain community
Kenal Kothari, president of the Singapore Jain Religious Society, conveyed utmost reverence for the Pope. “Your presence highlights the importance of active interfaith connections and mutual respect, reinforcing our commitment to Anekantvad (multiplicity-of-views) and Ahimsa (non-violence),” Kothari stated.
## Jewish community
Rabbi Mordechai Abergel, the chief Rabbi of Singapore, noted the providential timing of the Pope’s visit. “The Pope’s visit will send a message of coexistence at a moment of increasing religious violence in many parts of the world,” he said. “This visit will no doubt reinforce the bonds that unite the Abrahamic faiths and the plurality of faiths in Singapore.”
## National Council of Churches
Right Reverend Lu Guan Hoe, president of the National Council of Churches of Singapore, extended warm greetings. “Your presence among us is a profound blessing and a powerful reminder of our shared faith and commitment to peace, unity, and service,” he remarked.
## Parsi community
Hormuz E Avari, president of the Parsi Zoroastrian Association of South East Asia, Singapore, wished Pope Francis an impactful visit. “Pope Francis has consistently emphasised interreligious dialogue as a means to foster mutual understanding, respect, and peace among different faiths,” Avari said.
## Muslim community
Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir highlighted the significance of the Pope’s visit. “The visit of Pope Francis, one of the great proponents of peaceful co-existence, to Singapore, an icon of peace and harmony, is extremely significant,” he said.
## Buddhist community
The president of the Singapore Buddhist Federation noted that the Pope’s visit would encourage and affirm the work of building religious harmony in Singapore.
## Sikh community
The chairman of the Sikh Advisory Board expressed honour in welcoming Pope Francis. “The Sikh faith stands for, and advocates, world peace and helping others. Pope Francis, through his life’s work and messages, has spread and strengthened these values,” he said.
## Taoist community
Tan Thiam Lye, chairman of the Taoist Federation (Singapore), welcomed the Pope, noting the strong collaborative relationship between Taoism and Catholicism in Singapore. “We are confident that the Pope’s visit will deepen inter-religious understanding, strengthen mutual trust, and enhance religious harmony in Singapore,” he said.
## Bahá’í community
The honorary chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í of Singapore rejoiced at the Pope’s arrival. “The visit will propel efforts of fellow well-wishers of humanity across communities, institutions, and religious groups in Singapore to each play their part to rebuild a unified world,” he said.
## Inter-religious dialogue
Pope Francis will hold an inter-religious dialogue with youths at Catholic Junior College on September 13. Over 600 participants from more than 50 schools and interfaith organisations are expected to attend. The dialogue aims to “promote actions for unity and hope among diverse religious youths of Singapore” and inspire young people to build a cohesive society.
Photo via Fathership
Photo courtesy of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
