Singapore's Cardinal Goh praises Pope Francis's message on justice and compassion
Pope Francis may have concluded his Asian tour recently, but the Pontiff left a lasting spiritual impact on the island nation, according to the country's top Catholic archbishop.
In an interview with the Vatican News, Cardinal William Goh expressed profound admiration for the Pope, highlighting his humility, compassion, and dedication to social justice, particularly in his advocacy for the dignity of migrant workers.
He also noted how the Pope’s visit left a dee spiritual impression on Singapore, especially through his interactions with the youth and his message of inclusivity.
Singapore stood out to Pope Francis for its rapid modernisation and global outlook.
He acknowledged the city’s impressive development, calling it a potential model for coexistence.
Pope Francis took in Singapore's cultural diversity and bustling life of the city-state, marvelling at its skyscrapers while calling it the "New York of the East," but also cautioned against neglecting the vulnerable.
He reflected on the realities of life in Singapore, particularly the challenges faced by migrant workers.
The Pope emphasised the importance of treating these workers with dignity, advocating for justice and better conditions.
His experiences in Singapore, combined with what he saw in the other Asian countries he visited, inspired him to draw lessons about economic growth, inequality, and compassion for the marginalised.
In particular, he encouraged Singapore Catholics to not only focus on their faith but also to interact meaningfully with people from other walks of life, extending their love and compassion to those outside the Church.
Notably, during a youth event, he went off-script, encouraging young Singaporeans to embrace dialogue and unity across differences.
His reflections on Singapore’s position in the global community underscored the need for the city-state to balance progress with the protection of human rights.
Read more on Singapore's Cardinal Goh's admiration for Pope Francis here.
