Pope Francis visit/ Singapore migrant workers/ economic justice/ interfaith harmony/ papal Mass Singapore/ Newslooks/ SINGAPORE/ Pope Francis, during his visit to Singapore, admired the city-state’s economic achievements but emphasized the need for fair treatment of migrant workers. He praised Singapore’s environmental policies and addressed 50,000 people at a Mass, calling for inclusiveness and protection of the most vulnerable, particularly foreign laborers.
Pope Francis in Singapore Quick Looks:
- Pope Francis marveled at Singapore’s skyscrapers but urged better treatment for migrant workers.
- Singapore’s economic growth praised by Francis, who emphasized social justice for all workers.
- The pope celebrated Mass for 50,000 people, calling for solidarity and care for the marginalized.
- He lauded Singapore’s commitment to sustainability and interfaith harmony.
- Francis will visit a center for the elderly and host an interfaith youth event before departing.
Pope Praises Singapore’s Growth, Urges Fair Treatment for Migrant Workers
Deep Look:
Pope Francis arrived in Singapore on Thursday, praising the city-state’s impressive economic growth but calling for greater attention to the needs of its most vulnerable residents—particularly migrant workers who play a critical role in the country’s development. Speaking to government leaders and celebrating a large Mass, the pope’s message balanced admiration for Singapore’s achievements with a call for social justice and inclusiveness.
“Singapore’s modern skyscrapers seem to rise from the sea,” Francis remarked during his address to the nation’s leaders at the National University of Singapore. He emphasized that while economic success is admirable, the most valuable investment in God’s eyes is in people, particularly those who are marginalized. He reiterated this message later in the day, during a Mass attended by 50,000 people at the national stadium, where he celebrated Singapore’s progress while urging protection for foreign laborers.
Francis’ visit to Singapore is part of an 11-day tour through Asia, with earlier stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor. His final leg in one of the world’s wealthiest nations presented a striking contrast to the economic challenges faced by other countries he visited. Upon his arrival from East Timor, a nation where 42% of the population lives below the poverty line, Francis found himself in a financial hub known for its high living standards, safety, and low crime rates. Yet he also addressed the pressures and inequalities that come with Singapore’s competitive work culture and high cost of living.
In his address, the pope praised Singapore’s commitment to sustainable development, affordable public housing, and quality education and healthcare. However, he warned against focusing too much on pragmatism and meritocracy, which can inadvertently exclude those on society’s margins. His words were a clear reference to Singapore’s foreign workers, who often occupy low-paying jobs in construction, shipping, and domestic work.
“These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage,” Francis said, calling attention to the lack of minimum wage laws in Singapore for both locals and foreign workers.
Singapore’s economy relies heavily on migrant labor, with foreigners making up more than one-third of its workforce. Official statistics show that around 441,000 foreign workers are employed in construction, shipping, and maintenance jobs, while 286,000 work as domestic helpers. Many of these workers come from poorer countries in South Asia and face labor rights abuses, including wage theft, movement restrictions, and even physical abuse. Human Rights Watch reported last year that migrant workers in Singapore often find themselves exploited by unscrupulous recruitment agencies, and domestic workers, in particular, lack basic labor protections.
Despite these challenges, Francis acknowledged Singapore’s reputation as a success story, transforming from a colonial port to a major financial hub since gaining independence from Malaysia in 1965. The city-state enjoys one of the highest GDPs per capita globally, and Francis took time to recognize its environmental sustainability efforts. During an official welcome ceremony, the pope was honored with a new orchid hybrid named in his honor, the “Dendrobium His Holiness Pope Francis,” symbolizing serenity and beauty.
Singapore’s leadership also welcomed the pope’s consistent calls for environmental stewardship. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam highlighted Singapore’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development, citing a greening plan that includes solar energy expansion, waste reduction, and carbon taxes. “We are a multiracial, multireligious, and multicultural society,” Shanmugaratnam said, noting that solidarity and harmony have been key to the nation’s progress.
In his remarks, Francis pointed to Singapore as an environmental role model, praising the nation’s ability to balance economic growth with ecological responsibility. He called Singapore “a shining example of what humanity can achieve by working together in harmony, with a sense of responsibility and a spirit of inclusiveness and fraternity.”
Francis’ Mass at the national stadium was a significant moment for the country’s Catholic community, which makes up about 3.5% of Singapore’s nearly 6 million residents. The Mass was attended by church leaders from across Asia, including Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong and Cardinal Charles Bo of Myanmar, regions where the Holy See maintains delicate relationships.
In addition to the large crowd at the stadium, Francis’ motorcade drew dozens of people to the streets of Singapore, eager to catch a glimpse of the pope. Some waved posters and cheered as he passed, with a few lucky children receiving rosaries from his popemobile.
“We just wanted to make sure that we caught his attention, and that we really communicated our love and warm welcome to him here in Singapore,” said Lissy Puno, who made posters and bracelets to celebrate the visit.
Francis’ trip to Singapore concludes Friday with a visit to a center for the elderly and an interfaith youth event, after which he will return to Rome. His visit has underscored the delicate balance between economic success and the need to care for the marginalized, a message that resonates beyond Singapore’s borders.
