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SINGAPORE — Pope Francis has commended Singapore’s policies to support the most vulnerable, adding that he hopes special attention will be paid to the poor and the elderly.
Speaking at a state address on Thursday (Sept 12) during his visit to Singapore, he noted that the labour of the poor and elderly members of society has laid the foundations for the country today.
Delivering his speech in Italian, Pope Francis also called for Singapore to protect the dignity of migrant workers.
“These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage,” he said at the University Cultural Centre, according to the translation of his speech provided by the Vatican.
Pope Francis arrived in Singapore on Wednesday for the last leg of his four-nation visit to the Asia-Pacific.
The 87-year-old’s tour of the region spans 12 days, his longest trip since becoming head of the Catholic Church in 2013.
On Thursday morning, Pope Francis was welcomed at Parliament House where he met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
He also had an orchid hybrid named after him.
In his state address, Pope Francis said Singapore’s story is one of growth and resilience, adding that the country has reached an advance level of development “which can only stem from rational decisions and not by chance”.
“It is important that Singapore has not only prospered economically, but has also striven to build a society in which social justice and the common good are held in high regard,” he said, noting Singapore’s public housing policies, high-quality education and efficient healthcare system.
“In this regard, I would like to highlight the risk entailed in focusing solely on pragmatism or placing merit above all things, namely the unintended consequence of justifying the exclusion of those on the margins from benefiting from progress.”
Describing Singapore as a mosaic of ethnicities, cultures and religions living together in harmony, Pope Francis said this inclusiveness is facilitated by the impartiality of authorities who engage in constructive dialogue with all.
Mutual respect, cooperation, dialogue and the freedom to exercise one’s beliefs within the confines of the law allow for the country’s success and stability, he noted.
“They are necessary for avoiding conflict and chaos, and provide instead for a balanced and sustainable development,” he added.
The Catholic Church in Singapore has made its own distinctive contribution to the country’s progress, especially in areas of education and healthcare, said Pope Francis.
Noting that his trip came 43 years after Singapore officially established relations with the Holy See, he added that the purpose of his visit was to confirm Catholics in their faith.
Singapore also has a role to play on the international level, with conflict and wars around the world that “have spilled much blood”, said Pope Francis, noting the country’s focus on multilateralism and promoting a rules-based order for all.
“I encourage you to continue to work in favour of the unity and fraternity of humanity and the common good of all peoples and all nations, in a way that does not exclude others or is restricted to your national interests,” he added.
In his speech at the state address, Mr Tharman noted that Pope Francis has been an “impassioned global voice” against war, promoting harmony and dialogue between different groups and faiths.
“This is an issue that resonates with Singaporeans… There was a time in our history when these realities gave way to inter-communal tensions,” he added.
Singaporeans treasure being in a country where various ethnic and religious communities live together peacefully, said Mr Tharman.
“Diversity is tolerated in Singapore, but it has come to be more than that. It is embraced and viewed as bringing richness to our lives,” he added, noting the respective roles of religious leaders and their communities.
“None of this came naturally. It has been the work of nation-building over decades.”
Pope Francis also stressed the role of the family, adding that the foundations families are built on are being challenged by current social conditions.
Families must be allowed to transmit values that “give meaning and shape to life”, and to teach young people how to form solid and healthy relationships.
“Efforts to promote, protect and support family unity through the work of various institutions are therefore to be commended.”
On Thursday evening, Pope Francis will attend mass and deliver a homily to 50,000 people at the National Stadium. CNA
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