SINGAPORE — On Thursday, September 12, approximately 50,000 worshippers filled the National Stadium to attend the first papal mass in Singapore since 1986. Pope Francis arrived at 4:30 pm, making his way around the stadium in a white buggy, blessing children, handing out rosaries, and warmly greeting attendees.

The crowd, dressed in yellow and white—the colors of the Vatican—cheered and waved as Pope Francis passed by. Many held signs of welcome and encouragement. The Pope had arrived in Singapore the previous day and delivered the homily at the mass. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, along with his wife Loo Tze Lui, and other government officials including Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam, were also in attendance.

Jason Lim, a 50-year-old sales professional, shared how special it was to witness the Pope up close. “This was a lifelong dream come true for me,” said Mr. Lim, who attended the event with his 17-year-old daughter Anna. “It was extra meaningful that my family could be here with me.”

Rose Francis, a preschool teacher, expressed how moving the experience was even though Pope Francis didn’t pass directly by her section. “He looked exhausted, and I hope he gets the rest he needs,” she remarked. She attended the mass with her husband, Francis Gregory, who volunteered at the event.

A Full Day of Events
The stadium was bustling with excitement as early as 11 am, hours before the mass began. Attendees queued outside under the sun, umbrellas in hand. Once inside, people took pictures of the altar and enjoyed a choir rehearsal before the mass. Beverly Branson, who remembered attending Pope John Paul II’s mass in 1986, described the shared enthusiasm. “Even back then, under the pouring rain, the energy was undeniable,” she said.

Former Cabinet Minister George Yeo, who was also present, noted the significance of the Pope’s visit to such a small country, especially with the appointment of a Singaporean Cardinal in 2022. “It’s not just a milestone for the Catholic community but a symbol of interfaith unity,” he added.

Tight Security Measures
As expected for such a high-profile event, security was tight. Barriers restricted entry to ticket holders only, and attendees passed through body scanners and bag checks before entering the stadium. Security personnel were thorough, with some cars undergoing random inspections as well. Sniffer dogs and increased patrols were deployed throughout the venue to maintain order.

Superintendent Clarinda Wong from the Bedok Police Division explained that the police were working closely with various agencies, including the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, to ensure the event’s security. “There’s an increased presence of patrols, and checks have been intensified to guarantee everyone’s safety,” she said.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Tickets for the mass were distributed through an online ballot, and some were reserved for Catholics from Malaysia and Brunei. Ann-Marie Kang, an engineer, was among the first in line, arriving early to beat the crowds. “This is such a unique opportunity, and I feel so fortunate to be here,” she said.

For Nicole Yeo, a 34-year-old civil servant, attending the mass with her mother was a special moment. “Seeing Pope Francis in person is something I never thought I’d experience,” she shared. “He represents hope and inclusivity, which is something I strive to embody.”

Retiree Rita Woodman, 55, queued with new acquaintances she met on the way to the stadium. “The theme of unity