Singapore leaders send condolence letters to the Holy See after Pope Francis’ death
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
(From left) Pope Francis with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the pontiff’s state address at NUS University Cultural Centre in September 2024.
PHOTO: ST FILE
Follow topic:
SINGAPORE – President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong sent condolence letters to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, on April 22 following the death of Pope Francis.
The leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics died in Rome on April 21.
President Tharman said the pontiff was an advocate for peace and interfaith acceptance while supporting responsible efforts to combat climate change, and how it harms the most vulnerable communities.
“Pope Francis was a leader for a troubled world,” wrote President Tharman in the letter released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 22.
“He will be remembered too for his humility, his walking alongside the poor, and his respect for the dignity of every individual.”
PM Wong said relations between Singapore and the Holy See, the authority governing Vatican City and the Roman Catholic Church, were significantly strengthened during Pope Francis’ papacy, which began in 2013.
He wrote that the Pope left a lasting impression on many Singaporeans during his three-day visit in September 2024
Pope Francis consistently called for unity and the building of bridges across diverse communities, wrote PM Wong, adding that these messages resonate deeply in Singapore’s multiracial and multi-religious society.
The Pope’s efforts to promote peace and fraternity will continue to inspire people globally, added PM Wong.
