Pope Francis's Apostolic Journey has reached its final stage. After visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste, the Holy Father is heading to Singapore. As part of concluding his Apostolic Journey in Asia and Oceania, the Pope departed from Timor-Leste to Singapore on Wednesday (September 11).
Pope Francis arrived in Singapore at around 2:15 p.m. local time, accompanied by his entire delegation. He is scheduled to be in Singapore from Wednesday (September 11) to Friday (September 13). Upon his arrival, the Holy Father was welcomed by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and Ms. Janet Ang, Singapore’s non-resident ambassador to the Vatican.
Four youths also performed the local classic song Singapore Town as a welcome gesture to Pope Francis. The song was presented in four languages: Malay, English, Tamil, and Mandarin.
After the reception with Singapore's officials and community leaders, Pope Francis and his delegation proceeded to Jurassic Mile along Airport Boulevard to meet with approximately 1,000 volunteers who have played active roles in supporting and organizing his visit during his stay in Singapore.
Read also: Pope Francis in Timor-Leste: Strengthening Faith in the Land of the Rising Sun
During his time in Singapore, Pope Francis is scheduled to hold several meetings with both governmental and non-governmental organizations. He is also expected to have a private meeting with members of the Society of Jesus at the St. Francis Xavier Retreat Center. Meetings with Jesuit members are a common feature of his visits, considering that Pope Francis himself is a member of the Jesuit order.
The following day, Pope Francis is scheduled to receive an official welcome at Parliament House on Thursday (September 12) at 9:00 a.m. local time. He will also meet with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
At 10:30 a.m. local time, Pope Francis is set to visit the Cultural Center of the National University of Singapore to meet with the Diplomatic Corps and civil society representatives, where he will deliver his State Address. In the afternoon, the Pope will celebrate Holy Mass with the Catholic faithful in Singapore, expected to be about 50,000 people.
After his Apostolic tour, before returning to the Vatican, Pope Francis will have his final meeting in Singapore with a group of elderly people at St. Theresa Home. Additionally, he will engage in interreligious dialogue with youths at Catholic Junior College.
Read also: Viva Il Papa: Pope Francis Ends Indonesia Visit, Continues to Papua New Guinea
Logo and Motto
Pope Francis will conclude his visit to Singapore from September 11-13, marking a significant event for the local Christian community. The logo for this visit features a stylized cross, inspired by the guiding star of the Magi, the Eucharist, and five stars from the Singaporean flag. These elements symbolize divine guidance, the central role of the Eucharist, and the values of democracy, peace, and justice that align with Singapore’s ideals.
The motto for this journey, "Unity – Hope," reflects the Pope's mission to foster greater harmony within the Church and society. "Unity" represents communion among the faithful and societal cohesion, encouraging Singapore’s diverse population to live in harmony across ethnic and cultural lines.
"Hope" highlights the visit's message of encouragement, especially for Christians facing challenges such as discrimination and persecution. Pope Francis's presence will serve as a beacon of resilience and optimism, offering renewed inspiration and faith to the region’s Christian community.
Read also: Apostolic Journey Schedule: Pope Francis in Southeast Asia and Oceania
Schedule
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Dili - Singapore
- 09:30 Meeting with Young People (at Centro de Convenções)
- 10:45 Farewell Ceremony (at Dili Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport)
- 11:15 Departure by airplane from Dili Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport to Singapore
- 14:15 Arrival at Singapore Changi International Airport
- 14:15 Official Welcome
- 18:15 Private Meeting with Members of the Society of Jesus (at Saint Francis Xavier Retreat Centre)
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Singapore
- 09:00 Welcome Ceremony (at Parliament House)
- 09:30 Courtesy Visit to the President of the Republic
- 09:55 Meeting with the Prime Minister
- 10:30 Meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society, and The Diplomatic Corps (at the Theatre of the Cultural Centre of the National University of Singapore)
- 17:15 Holy Mass in Singapore SportHubs National Stadium
Friday, September 13, 2024
Singapore - Rome
- 09:15 Visit to A Group of Elderly and Sick People (at Saint Theresa’s Home)
- 10:00 Interreligious Meeting with Young People (at the Catholic Junior College)
- 11:20 Farewell Ceremony (at Singapore Changi International Airport)
- 11:50 Departure by airplane from Singapore Changi International Airport to Rome
- 18:25 Arrival at Rome/Fiumicino International Airport
