SINGAPORE — Engaging in meaningful interfaith dialogues requires bravery and an openness to feedback, Pope Francis remarked during his visit to Singapore on Friday (Sept 13). Speaking at an interreligious event at Catholic Junior College (CJC), he stressed that true dialogue involves the willingness to offer criticism and also to be open to it.

He further encouraged the younger generation to take the lead in interfaith discussions, believing that such conversations among youth can inspire broader dialogue within the community. The pontiff acknowledged that while criticism can be either constructive or disruptive, it is essential to maintain respect for differing beliefs when engaging in these dialogues.

“Youth is the time for courage,” the Pope noted, urging young people to channel this boldness towards building interfaith harmony. He encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones, face challenges head-on, and engage in constructive discussions on religious understanding. “Don’t let comfort hold you back—take risks and embrace the opportunity to grow,” he added humorously, reminding them to let their minds expand rather than staying inactive.

More than 600 attendees from over 50 schools and interfaith organizations gathered for the session. During the event, participants posed several questions to the Pope. Mr. Raaj Shukul Kumar, representing the Inter-Religious Organisation Youth Wing, inquired about how young people, who are often preoccupied with personal challenges, could continue to promote social unity. Other participants asked about balancing technological advances with moral concerns and how to cope with the pressures of modern life.

In his responses, Pope Francis encouraged young people not to fear making mistakes while working towards interfaith understanding, emphasizing that taking risks is a necessary part of growth. “It is better to make a mistake by trying than to do nothing out of fear,” he told the audience, adding that youth who shy away from challenges risk losing their vigor and potential.

He also addressed the evolving nature of communication, especially with the rise of social media, urging young people to use digital platforms wisely to foster genuine connections and promote religious harmony, rather than becoming slaves to technology.

Following the dialogue, Dr. Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, Mufti of Singapore, praised the Pope for his commitment to peaceful coexistence and interreligious dialogue, noting how his actions, as well as his words, inspire young people to embrace these principles.

Cardinal William Goh, Archbishop of Singapore, highlighted that interreligious dialogue in Singapore has gone beyond simple tolerance and has grown into a deeper sense of friendship between different faiths. He noted that religious leaders in Singapore frequently support one another, attending each other’s celebrations and collaborating on humanitarian efforts.

However, Cardinal Goh also warned of the potential challenges to religious harmony, emphasizing the need for continued effort in maintaining peaceful relations among different faith groups. He underscored the importance of not taking religious harmony for granted, especially in a diverse country like Singapore, where threats from extremism remain a possibility.

Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong echoed these sentiments, stressing that Singapore’s religious diversity is one of its greatest strengths and that the government remains committed to working closely with religious leaders to promote peace and unity, even in challenging times like the recent pandemic.

Pope Francis’s visit to St. Theresa’s Home, where he spent time with elderly residents, was another highlight of the day. His meeting at CJC marked the final event of his Asia-Pacific tour before his departure for the Vatican City.