Pope Francis concluded his visit to Singapore by commending the nation's tradition of interfaith harmony. During his time in Singapore, he presided over a gathering of young people representing various religious traditions present in the city-state, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue among people of different faiths.
Highlighting the coexistence of mosques, Buddhist temples, and Christian churches in Singapore, Pope Francis underscored the idea that all religions serve as paths to reach God, akin to different languages leading to the same destination.
Before departing for Rome, Pope Francis expressed his admiration for Singapore's economic development and urged the nation to treat immigrant workers with dignity and fair wages.
While in Singapore, the Pope refrained from addressing controversial issues such as the country's use of capital punishment, a stance he has previously condemned. This omission may have been a gesture of respect towards his hosts and a reflection of the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding his visit, particularly in relation to China.
Pope Francis' journey through Asia, which included stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, marked one of the longest and farthest trips of his pontificate. The trip, spanning over 32,000 kilometers by air, aimed to engage with diverse communities and promote messages of peace, tolerance, and social justice.
