SINGAPORE — Pope Francis commended Singapore’s efforts to support its vulnerable citizens, with a particular emphasis on the elderly and poor, during his state address on Thursday (Sept 12). Speaking in Italian at the University Cultural Centre, the Pope highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of these groups, whose labor and sacrifices helped build the country.

The 87-year-old pontiff, who is in Singapore as part of his 12-day Asia-Pacific tour, also called for the protection of migrant workers’ dignity, emphasizing their significant contributions to society. He urged that these workers should receive fair wages as a basic guarantee of their rights. This marked the final stop on his four-nation journey, which began earlier this month.

On Thursday morning, Pope Francis was received at Parliament House, where he met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During his visit, an orchid hybrid was named in his honor.

In his speech, Pope Francis acknowledged Singapore’s impressive trajectory of growth and development, noting that the nation’s advancement was not accidental, but the result of sound decisions. He praised Singapore’s commitment to social justice, as evidenced by its housing, education, and healthcare systems. However, the Pope also cautioned against focusing too heavily on pragmatism or meritocracy at the expense of those left behind, warning of the dangers of marginalizing the vulnerable in society.

Singapore’s multicultural society was also a point of admiration for the pontiff. He praised the city-state’s ability to maintain harmony among its diverse ethnicities, religions, and cultures, crediting this success to the government’s constructive dialogue and impartial engagement with various communities. Pope Francis noted that Singapore’s respect for differences, coupled with the freedom to practice one’s faith, had been crucial to its balanced and sustainable development.

The Pope also acknowledged the Catholic Church’s role in contributing to Singapore’s progress, particularly in areas like education and healthcare. His visit came 43 years after diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Holy See were officially established. The pontiff expressed that the purpose of his trip was to reaffirm and support the faith of Catholics in the country.

On a global level, Pope Francis highlighted Singapore’s contributions to multilateral diplomacy and its advocacy for a rules-based international order. He urged the country to continue championing unity and fraternity, promoting the common good in ways that transcend national interests.

President Tharman, in his speech, acknowledged Pope Francis as a powerful advocate for peace and dialogue in a world often plagued by conflict. He noted that the Pope’s efforts resonate strongly with Singaporeans, who value the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic and religious communities—a key pillar of the nation’s identity.

Tharman also reflected on Singapore’s journey to foster intercommunal harmony, noting that it took years of dedicated nation-building to achieve the peaceful and diverse society that Singaporeans enjoy today. He praised the role of religious leaders in shaping this unity.

Pope Francis emphasized the crucial role of families, stressing that in today’s rapidly changing world, the traditional values families impart are increasingly under pressure. He called for continued support for family unity, noting that families play a vital role in teaching young people how to build strong, healthy relationships.

The Pope’s itinerary includes a mass at the National Stadium on Thursday evening, where he is expected to deliver a homily to an audience of 50,000 people. This event marks a significant moment in his visit to Singapore.