Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to Singapore

A delegation from the "United States of the World" participated in some moments of Pope Francis' apostolic journey to Singapore.
These are the words of the Holy Father:
‘I thank Mr. President for the kind words of welcome you have graciously extended to me and which renew in me the gratitude for your recent visit to the Vatican. To all the Authorities I am grateful for the cordial welcome in this city-state of yours, a commercial crossroads of primary importance and a place where different peoples meet.
Anyone arriving here for the first time cannot fail to be impressed by the forest of ultra-modern skyscrapers that seem to rise from the sea. They are a clear testimony to human ingenuity, the dynamism of Singaporean society and the acumen of the entrepreneurial spirit, which have found fertile ground to express themselves here.

Singapore's is a story of growth and resilience. From humble beginnings, this nation has achieved a high level of development, proving that it is the result of rational decisions and not of chance: it is the result of an unwavering commitment to carrying out projects and initiatives that are well thought out and in tune with the specific characteristics of the place. This very day marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, who held the post from 1959 to 1990 and gave a strong impetus to the country's rapid growth and transformation.
It is also important that Singapore has not only prospered economically, but has strived to build a society in which social justice and the common good are held in high regard. I am thinking in particular of your dedication to improving the living conditions of citizens through public housing policies, high quality education and an efficient healthcare system. I hope that these efforts will continue until all Singaporeans are fully involved.
And in this regard, I would like to point out the risk that a certain pragmatism and exaltation of merit entails, namely the unintended consequence of legitimising the exclusion of those on the margins of the benefits of progress.
On this front, I recognise and commend the various policies and initiatives put in place to support the weakest, and I hope that special attention will be paid to the poor, the elderly - whose labours have laid the foundations for the Singapore we know today - and also to protect the dignity of migrant workers, who contribute so much to building society, and who must be guaranteed a fair wage.
The sophisticated technologies of the digital age and the rapid developments in the use of artificial intelligence cannot make us forget that it is essential to cultivate real and concrete human relationships; and that these technologies can be harnessed precisely to bring us closer to one another, promoting understanding and solidarity, and not to isolate ourselves dangerously in a fictitious and intangible reality.
Singapore is a mosaic of ethnicities, cultures and religions living together in harmony, and this word is very important: harmony. The achievement and preservation of this positive inclusiveness is facilitated by the impartiality of the public authorities, engaged in constructive dialogue with all, making it possible for everyone to make their own unique contribution to the common good and not allowing extremism and intolerance to gain strength and endanger social peace. Mutual respect, cooperation, dialogue, and the freedom to profess one's beliefs in loyalty to the common law are decisive conditions for Singapore's success and stability, prerequisites for non-conflictual and chaotic, but balanced and sustainable development.
The Catholic Church in Singapore, from the very beginning of its presence, has sought to make its own distinctive contribution to the progress of this nation, especially in the areas of education and healthcare, relying on the spirit of sacrifice and dedication of its missionaries and faithful. Always animated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Catholic community is also at the forefront of works of charity, contributing significantly to humanitarian efforts and managing to this end several health institutions and many humanitarian organisations, including the Caritas we all know. Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, God help you to respond to the needs and expectations of your people, and encourage you to experience that, with those who remain humble and grateful, He can accomplish great things for the good of all. God bless Singapore!’.
In his meeting with the young people, the Pope said:
‘Three words you said struck me: ‘living room critics’, ‘comfort zone’ and ‘technology’ as the duty to use it and also the risk of using it. This is the speech I had prepared but now let's go [spontaneously].
Youth is brave and youth likes to go towards the truth. To make a path, to be creative. And the youth must be careful not to fall into what you said, the ‘drawing room critics’, words words words.... A youth must be critical. A young person who does not criticise is not good. But he must be constructive in his criticism, because there is a destructive criticism, which makes a lot of criticism but does not make a new way. I ask all young people, each one: are you critical? Do you have the courage to criticise and also the courage to let others criticise you? Because if you criticise, the other criticises you. This is the sincere dialogue between young people.
Young people must have the courage to build, to move forward: for our future!’.

• THE PROGRAMME IT - FR - EN
• POPE FRANCISCO'S COMMENTARY
• VIDEO 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
• THE POPE'S PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE PLANE ON HIS RETURN
• OSUM