Singapore leaders congratulate Pope Leo XIV as local Catholics rejoice

SINGAPORE – President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have written to Pope Leo XIV to congratulate him on his election, as local Catholics celebrate the news of the newly elected pontiff.

White smoke billowed out of a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel in the early hours of May 9 (Singapore time), signifying that a new pope had been elected on the second day of the balloting process known as the conclave.

Around an hour later,

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost made his first appearance as Pope Leo XIV

on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, greeted by crowds waiting to see the new leader of the 1.4 billion-strong Roman Catholic Church.

Leaders from around the world, including Singapore, have since congratulated Pope Leo on his election.

Both President Tharman and PM Wong noted, in their respective letters, the Catholic Church’s contributions in Singapore, and the growing relationship between Singapore and the Holy See, with the late Pope Francis visiting the Republic on a state visit in 2024.

Mr Tharman acknowledged the Church’s role in providing education, healthcare and social services since Singapore’s early days.

He said: “These efforts have helped promote a culture of compassion and inclusiveness that has benefited people of all backgrounds in Singapore.

“As a multiracial and multi-religious country, we value the Church’s message of inclusion and its role in fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.”

In his letter, PM Wong said the “longstanding and warm relations” between Singapore and the Holy See are built on “a shared interest in promoting peace and interfaith understanding”, and that he looks forward to deepening these ties.

He added: “The Catholic Church has done good work in Singapore to serve the underprivileged, to help foster a spirit of inclusiveness, and to encourage interreligious dialogue.”

In a statement on May 9, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said “Habemus Papam!” as it gave thanks to God for the blessing of a new “Vicar of Christ”.

The Latin phrase means “We have a pope”.

“On Thursday, May 8, at 6.06pm Rome time, the 133 cardinal electors chose the 267th Pope,” said the archdiocese.

“We rejoice at the election of Pope Leo XIV as the successor of Saint Peter and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.”

It added: “The Roman Catholic Archdiocese unites with the universal church in praying for the Holy Father as he begins his apostolic ministry.”

Pope Leo, 69, is the first American pontiff, and known for his quiet demeanour and support for the late Pope Francis.

“La pace sia con tutti voi (Peace be with you)” – a phrase often used by Catholics during mass – were Pope Leo’s first words to the thousands of faithful who had gathered in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican or were watching the broadcast proceedings elsewhere.

Catholics who The Straits Times spoke to described the occasion as exciting, and conveyed hope that the new pontiff will be a symbol of unity in a changing world.

Sir Peter Low, who is

Singapore’s only papal knight commander with star

, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Pope, and described the new leader as having a quiet strength that felt very reassuring.

The Pope’s first address to the public touched on values such as peace, justice, charity, and the need for building bridges, which showed his concern for the people, said Dr Low.

“He acknowledged his Augustinian background and his previous pastoral experience, which bring great depth and humility to his leadership,” he added.

Pope Leo had joined the Order of St Augustine and was later ordained as a priest at the age of 26 in 1982. He was appointed a cardinal by the late Pope Francis in 2023.

Half of his life as an ordained member of the Church was spent in northern Peru, where he headed a seminary in Trujillo and was the pastor of a suburban parish between 1988 and 1998.

He served as the bishop in Chiclayo between 2015 and 2023, and received Peruvian citizenship.

The Pope’s missionary experience in Peru is crucial and will inform his understanding of global issues from various perspectives, Friar John-Paul Tan told ST.

“As Pope, he will bring to the Church this renewed dimension of being missionary,” said Friar Tan.

“He will challenge local churches to be less insular and look at their regional surroundings to see how they can be of assistance towards a global fraternity.”

He added that the Pope has to be a beacon of gospel authenticity, instead of fitting into labels of being progressive or liberal.

“Whatever (the pope’s) message, it will always be pleasing to some and upsetting to others. Either way, (his) obligation is towards truth in charity.”

There was a sense of solidarity and anticipation as the world watched the revelation of the new Pope, said 26-year-old Elizabeth Tang.

“Each pope is unique, so I am open to seeing how God may work through him. I just hope that he continues to spread the message of God’s redemption and love to the world,” said Ms Tang, who works in the social service sector.

Mr Nick Lim, a 37-year-old communications officer, said he is very happy about the newly elected Pope, and shared his hopes that Pope Leo will continue the legacy that Pope Francis left behind.

“We just want our Church to be loving and welcoming to people on the peripherals, a Church for the poor,” said Mr Lim, who became a Catholic around a year ago.

“His first words were ‘peace be with you’, which was much needed in our war-torn world and even in Singapore now. I hope he continues the outreach to the poor, needy and hungry, and fight against social injustice, like Pope Francis did.”

Mr Jared Oh hopes that the new Pope can continue to keep Catholics unified through his views and teachings, and bring devotees closer towards the faith.

“I do hope he is able to make an appearance in Singapore, as Pope Francis did shortly before he passed,” said the 35-year-old teacher.