Pope Francis on Thursday said in Singapore that anything good that exists and endures in this world does so because “in innumerable situations, love has prevailed over hate, solidarity over indifference, generosity over selfishness.”
Celebrating Mass in one of the world’s most modern and wealthiest city-states, the pontiff added that “without this, no one here would have been able to give rise to such a great metropolis, for the architects would not have designed it, the workers would not have worked on it and nothing would have been achieved.”
Pope Francis is in Singapore, the final stop on his 12-day Apostolic Journey across Asia and Oceania. His visit to this nation comes on the heels of his time in Timor-Leste, one of the world’s youngest and poorest countries, highlighting the Pope’s mission to embrace all corners of humanity. The Pope’s message in Singapore, however, remains deeply aligned with his core belief that the Church’s missionary transcends wealth, status, and boundaries.
Speaking to some 50,000 people at the National Stadium, Pope Francis delivered a powerful homily drawing from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” He emphasized that love is the foundation of all good works and that no achievement, no matter how grand, is meaningful without the spirit of love.
Reflecting on Singapore’s renowned modern architecture and success, Pope Francis said, “While people may think that these [buildings] are primarily about money, techniques, or engineering ability… what we really find is love, precisely the ‘love that builds up.’” He pointed to the hidden stories of human love behind every accomplishment—of mothers and fathers, workers, and professionals dedicating their lives for the good of others.
Pope Francis greets a child before celebrating Mass at Singapore’s National Stadium Sept. 12, 2024. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
The Missionary Legacy of St. Francis Xavier
During his homily, Pope Francis’ also referred to St. Francis Xavier, the great Jesuit missionary who passed through Singapore on his journeys to spread the Gospel. The Pope said that the saint’s dedication and zeal for evangelization offer a profound example for today’s Church. He quoted a letter St. Francis Xavier’s wrote to St. Ignatius of Loyola and his first companions in which he expressed his desire to go to all universities of his time in order to cry out “like a madman… [to] those with more learning than charity” so that they might feel compelled to become missionaries for the love of their brothers and sisters, and to “cry out with all their heart: ‘Lord, I am here! What do you want me to do?’”
Pope Francis encouraged the faithful in Singapore to adopt this same spirit of missionary zeal. “We too could make these words our own, following his and Mary’s example: ‘Lord, here I am; what do you want me to do?’”
The Pope’s message was clear: the Church’s mission to evangelize is as relevant today as it was during St. Francis Xavier’s time, and it calls for a renewed commitment to spreading the Gospel through love, compassion, and service.
Pope Francis venerates a statue of Our Lady after Mass at Singapore’s National Stadium Sept. 12, 2024, the feast of the Holy Name of Mary. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Encouraging Social Justice and Outreach
In his meeting with Singapore’s civil authorities and diplomatic corps earlier on Thursday, Pope Francis focused on the importance of ensuring that progress and development include everyone, particularly the most vulnerable. He acknowledged Singapore’s impressive achievements but warned of the dangers of exclusivity and meritocracy that leave the marginalized behind. The Pope urged the leaders to continue their efforts to support the poor, the elderly, and migrant workers—groups that are often left out of economic growth.
“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,” Pope Francis said. “I think in particular of your commitment to improving the quality of life of citizens through public housing policies, high quality education and an efficient healthcare system. I hope that these efforts will continue until all Singaporeans are able to benefit from them fully.”
He then argued that it is a “risk” to focus “solely on pragmatism” or to place merit above all, as it can lead to the unintended consequence of justifying the exclusion “of those on the margins from benefiting from progress.”
He then went on to commend policies from the Singaporean government in favor of the most vulnerable, sharing his hope that special attention will be paid to the poor and the elder, “whose labors have laid the foundations for the Singapore we see today – as well as to protecting the dignity of migrant workers. These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage.”
Singapore’s migration is complex, with immigration driving economic and population growth. As of June 2024, the country’s population stood at 5.92 million, with 1.77 million o f them being non-residents. Migrants fill labor gaps, increase productivity and bring new skills. However, integration, hosing and infrastructure continue to be a challenge.
Pope Francis and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam are seated on stage during a meeting with government and civic leaders in a theater at the National University of Singapore Sept. 12, 2024. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
“Singapore is a mosaic of ethnicities, cultures and religions living together in harmony, and this word is very important: harmony,” Pope Francis said. “The achievement and preservation of this positive inclusiveness is facilitated by the impartiality of public authorities who engage in constructive dialogue with all, thus making it possible for everyone to make their own unique contribution to the common good and preventing extremism and intolerance from gaining strength or endangering social harmony. Mutual respect, cooperation, dialogue and the freedom to exercise one’s beliefs within the confines of the law are the conditions that allow for Singapore’s success and stability. They are necessary for avoiding conflict and chaos and provide instead for a balanced and sustainable development.”
As the pontiff noted, from the very beginning of its presence in Singapore, the Catholic Church has sought to offer its own distinctive contribution to the progress of the nation, especially in the areas of education and healthcare: “This was possible thanks to the spirit of sacrifice and dedication of missionaries and the faithful. Always animated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Catholic community is also at the forefront of works of charity, contributing significantly to humanitarian efforts and managing several healthcare institutions and many humanitarian organizations.”
The Church manages 54 educational institutions, serving over 46,000 students, and runs 33 social service centers, including hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the elderly. These efforts are a direct reflection of the Church’s commitment to missionary work and to promoting the Gospel in a multicultural society.
