Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Man has 'longest conversation' with Pope Francis at Catholic JC - what did they talk about?

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/man-has-longest-conversation-pope-francis-catholic-jc-what-did-they-talk-about
By Ching Shi Jie, chingshijie@asiaone.com, Asiaone, 17 September  2024 at 04:00 pm


 Pope Francis speaking with Lawrence Chong at Catholic Junior College on Sept 13.
PHOTO: Pope Francis speaking with Lawrence Chong at Catholic Junior College on Sept 13.
Photo from YouTube / Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
Picture posted by Ching Shi Jie, chingshijie@asiaone.com, Asiaone on 17 September  2024 at 04:00 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNvmE0myFTLfMdmq2jVnRjHary-eiMV1YIRov5LlkrDknQIBVXImayOdhSfdb1F2NAaJFm0o5Y_EQWNq1ILNDeCDWYmbIzIdmDc2HKGWB86Z2U8N1WoMpsrdpjHTzn5GzJ2ntCCOO2V6wTu34QncNGV_vJKa1WgMtpsig6anKZJIh3rodgYBZ4xHyHPw/s1200/20241709_popefrancis.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_top_image/public/original_images/Sep2024/20241709_popefrancis.jpg?itok=Ii2ZwCd1
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/man-has-longest-conversation-pope-francis-catholic-jc-what-did-they-talk-about


From blessing babies at the National Stadium to greeting nursing home residents, Pope Francis touched the hearts of many people during his recent visit to Singapore.

For one man, exchanging words with the 87-year-old pontiff on Sept 13 was an "unexpected gift".

Donning a red tie, Lawrence Chong greeted the Pope as he arrived for an inter-religious dialogue with youths at Catholic Junior College (CJC) on the final day of his visit here.


 Donning a red tie, Lawrence Chong greeted the Pope as he arrived for an inter-religious dialogue with youths at Catholic Junior College (CJC) on the final day of his visit here.
PHOTO: Donning a red tie, Lawrence Chong greeted the Pope as he arrived for an inter-religious dialogue with youths at Catholic Junior College (CJC) on the final day of his visit here.
Picture posted by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS4KYuc_kZl-hmvJ9tbDwc0AlkDotc3dgwHaNAecYN0mMOz0dX__DdQP4IYNbuNm_WZVBB7HTFrLRYM8VdlT5130AOOSqn-vnKGr6SJJ7ZSvTlJW23dYBFjD5InDsqFafPrKh7zUBJmFHot6h3RZQkQeB6vCjQn6zuxHHvy993c_vU85pFZggwXBadhY/s1323/CJC-2.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CJC-2.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/pope-francis-meets-interreligious-youth/


Some netizens later gushed on social media about the images of Chong and Pope Francis embracing while engaged in a warm conversation, which was captured during a live-stream of the event.

"What a beautiful moment with the Pope," one commented in Chong's Facebook post.

In an interview with AsiaOne on Tuesday (Sept 17), Chong, who is the organising chairman of the Pope's visit to CJC, said that he had rehearsed for the two-minute interaction in Italian.


 Some netizens later gushed on social media about the images of Chong and Pope Francis embracing while engaged in a warm conversation, which was captured during a live-stream of the event.
PHOTO: Some netizens later gushed on social media about the images of Chong and Pope Francis embracing while engaged in a warm conversation, which was captured during a live-stream of the event.
"What a beautiful moment with the Pope," one commented in Chong's Facebook post.
Picture posted by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHfqFlBcDzlHJXktKmVDM_dp82QhkGIDEx27Ua3_7GnjOZ81BXvd762oY6kTq0obEo2BbCzz5rXnkJI10NEwyqMqOyEzHdcoQcgeoR-4uwjIwbhyphenhyphendAvdOL_vyJupTSdIwCKLm85QlSeEKNVxNDmdlcgBX5hJu78OAYoKf7T-dJFPmTJ6961Tk0PhRBNs/s1464/CJC-1.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/CJC-1.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/pope-francis-meets-interreligious-youth/


"I told him, 'Welcome Pope Francis, my name is Lawrence and many greetings from the Focolarini," said Chong, referring to a Roman Catholic movement that he is a member of.

Chong, who is also a consultor of the Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, described how the Pope spoke slowly and imparted words of spiritual guidance to him.


 I told him, 'Welcome Pope Francis, my name is Lawrence and many greetings from the Focolarini
PHOTO: "I told him, 'Welcome Pope Francis, my name is Lawrence and many greetings from the Focolarini," said Chong, referring to a Roman Catholic movement that he is a member of.
Picture posted by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMeFOLec7yKykEUS3iH53TvAU0xW-UjrI_wG1vXMUFHkbFlXw1Lt3M9qGFmDIpYP3BcuhLxpS02W_DJUFyOGswsiKUxvST-eVGy6JhF2gzwEJNHSGCSV4xAhyphenhyphenWGaX2Kbu8ltHPjph1H8CTXLAC10QTnLOPN25rUT3vi7rMea8pJNJr_3LQTMrVPQIftg/s1043/cjc-3.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cjc-3.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/pope-francis-meets-interreligious-youth/


The past three interactions with the Pope were diplomatic, said Chong, adding that the latest one — his longest one yet — was due to the "right timing".

"I think it was also because he was really happy that morning seeing hundreds of young people in Singapore," he added.



Posted by AsiaOne on Friday, 13 September 2024 at 12:32 pm
https://www.facebook.com/asiaonecom/posts/925982116220941


'This is the Pope Francis I know' 
Pope Francis appeared to be in good spirits during the last event of his three-day visit to Singapore.

"That's the talk I prepared," the pontiff said, pointing to his speech and then going into an spontaneous exchange with the youths about the need to have courage and take risks.

For Chong, he knew there was a high chance that the Pope would go off-script during the dialogue session that day.


 Pope Francis appeared to be in good spirits during the last event of his three-day visit to Singapore.
PHOTO: Pope Francis appeared to be in good spirits during the last event of his three-day visit to Singapore.
"That's the talk I prepared," the pontiff said, pointing to his speech and then going into an spontaneous exchange with the youths about the need to have courage and take risks.
Picture posted by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm4uV2hdgI3VPyvY2a4wb3MzTgHz9WSHBMlXiM2qWQ3Vz0oHHX1CPkJL17cgNNBemE22-0tCFY4C4nM3kF877-gTNZCaAT3N36XQPmIjJ2Yrmha8IJCfux5remXK8X6MY0PNj0tTezTAE5qtZGWys5w0l5U72Q2h3Ft9R6zLpFrsiB2LqPE2Am1_2s0M/s1003/cjc-4.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cjc-4.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/pope-francis-meets-interreligious-youth/


He had also sent the youths' questions for the Pope to Vatican officials before the event.

"From past experiences of working for such events in Rome, he loves engaging with youth leaders," Chong said, adding that it would be "too much of a show" if the Pope had stuck to his prepared speech.

"So when it happened, I was thanking God. This is the Pope Francis I know, he really dislikes officialdom and prefers connecting with the ground."


 So when it happened, I was thanking God.
PHOTO: "So when it happened, I was thanking God. This is the Pope Francis I know, he really dislikes officialdom and prefers connecting with the ground."
Picture posted by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pTF_RI6U7VqeFPnx-hobSgX6jW5ISKNFKgKjCkir5zGCVg6PeHEdigYb5GQ7CNuLqMmeeTLyur5fi25f5xn45Vs7Q-QtWkr44B9oLGRg4dI8HkXC5YkDnkR36mlqoCc1I1E-MRur3OX10_o3tL_yahQHGY7zBqqVVC3lxk6zV8VPQcn-VFV_rlFES4E/s1487/cjc-5.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cjc-5.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/pope-francis-meets-interreligious-youth/


While Chong's interaction with the Pope had gone viral, the latter's response to the dialogue at CJC meant a lot more to him.

During a press conference on his flight back to Rome, Pope Francis described the inter-religious meeting as a "model of fraternity (friendship and mutual support within a group)."

"That dialogue session has gone worldwide," said Chong, adding that he intends on holding similar inter-religious dialogues here in the future.


 While Chong's interaction with the Pope had gone viral, the latter's response to the dialogue at CJC meant a lot more to him.
PHOTO: While Chong's interaction with the Pope had gone viral, the latter's response to the dialogue at CJC meant a lot more to him.
During a press conference on his flight back to Rome, Pope Francis described the inter-religious meeting as a "model of fraternity (friendship and mutual support within a group)."
Picture posted by The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk0ZI9YgjflIFLCcgZS7cvfRcxMPAXjx4fxSlUiXMtHP8AXNK4pKyIxw920ZFunbBUAljpv58HsU4bAli6GBFfMbhpoOxRJvzJMfChsQ9T-nCqTI3HJbHMaKZNxnyN7UCqDirirLGxRBjuZJD1DMmFki1g5nzlGyXXlJduNDwpDx4TsyWhY9xWCHUt_g/s1133/cjc-6.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cjc-6.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/pope-francis-meets-interreligious-youth/
 

 Staff: papa where you wanna go in singapore
PHOTO: Staff: papa where you wanna go in singapore
Papa: anything catholic
Staff: ok lets google catholic
“Catholic junior college “ 
- @leehyunsong7001, 4 days ago
Picture posted by Rappler on Friday, 13 September 2024, the last day of his longest papal journey - Pope Francis meets with young people at Singapore's Catholic Junior College
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINRSTW7n_TtMPYVKtPA40EN2VNf0h1QHhy9knI5spg-GSdnsNp-9tY4shvQgKrI_u18duNH0TMrIpfoJCpkEWCY_F-Xyt5oAS5icuJ_LME3wr7da7v20-BYivUtj7q3FtKJVVkshEcjPk7aQcM9Etih5tKCLJeVgfb9bEJfSi32Kkq1nZgb1oQeyWj24/s1280/maxresdefault.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kVNx3gdQtGo/maxresdefault.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVNx3gdQtGo
 

 From past experiences of working for such events in Rome, he loves engaging with youth leaders,
PHOTO: "From past experiences of working for such events in Rome, he loves engaging with youth leaders," Chong said.
From blessing babies at the National Stadium to greeting nursing home residents, Pope Francis touched the hearts of many people during his recent visit to Singapore.
Picture posted by AsiaOne on Friday, 13 September 2024 at 12:32 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34HnNm7GWGGlUVzxUI2_7rOWUnf1UYAA-AtmiBvJhUnnNjiYfxMWAd2XVtF0LfI6-UozuJP1HCqkhFuV1oYTQNhnNOKNHDtwv9LS9s1DDlnd7hFtwtz9k5AiO487gOtgKNu7-if9mmgD5UuEUesseGS5FT4QiBl5iDCDfs0bNK-SA2JAnMfIuT_9_Sag/s2048/459339060_925975689554917_6542246049629360506_n.jpg
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https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=925975686221584&set=pcb.925982116220941

By Ching Shi Jie, chingshijie@asiaone.com, Asiaone, 17 September  2024 at 04:00 pm
For more on Pope Francis' state visit, visit our microsite.
For more original AsiaOne articles, visit here.


More on Pope Francis visits in Singapore

Pope Francis calls on Singapore to give 'special attention' to poor and elderly in state address, posted on Tuesday, 17 September 2024
Pope Francis calls on Singapore to give 'special attention' to poor and elderly in state address, posted on Tuesday, 17 September 2024
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2024/09/pope-francis-calls-on-singapore-to-give.html


Punggol residents in awe of being neighbours to Pope Francis during his stay, posted on Monday, 16 September 2024
Punggol residents in awe of being neighbours to Pope Francis during his stay, posted on Monday, 16 September 2024
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2024/09/punggol-residents-in-awe-of-being.html


'Viva il Papa' Over 1,000 people turn up for arrival of Pope Francis in Singapore, posted on Saturday, 14 September 2024
'Viva il Papa' Over 1,000 people turn up for arrival of Pope Francis in Singapore, posted on Saturday, 14 September 2024
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2024/09/viva-il-papa-over-1000-people-turn-up.html


Cosplay (Links)
 


Reference
[1] Ching Shi Jie, chingshijie@asiaone.com, Asiaone, Man has 'longest conversation' with Pope Francis at Catholic JC - what did they talk about?, posted on 17 September  2024 at 04:00 pm, https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/man-has-longest-conversation-pope-francis-catholic-jc-what-did-they-talk-about



 
 









https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/man-has-longest-conversation-pope-francis-catholic-jc-what-did-they-talk-about

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNvmE0myFTLfMdmq2jVnRjHary-eiMV1YIRov5LlkrDknQIBVXImayOdhSfdb1F2NAaJFm0o5Y_EQWNq1ILNDeCDWYmbIzIdmDc2HKGWB86Z2U8N1WoMpsrdpjHTzn5GzJ2ntCCOO2V6wTu34QncNGV_vJKa1WgMtpsig6anKZJIh3rodgYBZ4xHyHPw/s1200/20241709_popefrancis.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_top_image/public/original_images/Sep2024/20241709_popefrancis.jpg?itok=Ii2ZwCd1
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/man-has-longest-conversation-pope-francis-catholic-jc-what-did-they-talk-about
 
 
 
 
 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitm4uV2hdgI3VPyvY2a4wb3MzTgHz9WSHBMlXiM2qWQ3Vz0oHHX1CPkJL17cgNNBemE22-0tCFY4C4nM3kF877-gTNZCaAT3N36XQPmIjJ2Yrmha8IJCfux5remXK8X6MY0PNj0tTezTAE5qtZGWys5w0l5U72Q2h3Ft9R6zLpFrsiB2LqPE2Am1_2s0M/s1003/cjc-4.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cjc-4.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/pope-francis-meets-interreligious-youth/ 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pTF_RI6U7VqeFPnx-hobSgX6jW5ISKNFKgKjCkir5zGCVg6PeHEdigYb5GQ7CNuLqMmeeTLyur5fi25f5xn45Vs7Q-QtWkr44B9oLGRg4dI8HkXC5YkDnkR36mlqoCc1I1E-MRur3OX10_o3tL_yahQHGY7zBqqVVC3lxk6zV8VPQcn-VFV_rlFES4E/s1487/cjc-5.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cjc-5.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/pope-francis-meets-interreligious-youth/

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk0ZI9YgjflIFLCcgZS7cvfRcxMPAXjx4fxSlUiXMtHP8AXNK4pKyIxw920ZFunbBUAljpv58HsU4bAli6GBFfMbhpoOxRJvzJMfChsQ9T-nCqTI3HJbHMaKZNxnyN7UCqDirirLGxRBjuZJD1DMmFki1g5nzlGyXXlJduNDwpDx4TsyWhY9xWCHUt_g/s1133/cjc-6.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cjc-6.jpg
https://www.popefrancis2024.sg/pope-francis-meets-interreligious-youth/
 
 
at

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Pope Francis calls on Singapore to give 'special attention' to poor and elderly in state address

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/pope-francis-calls-singapore-give-special-attention-poor-and-elderly-state-address
By Ching Shi Jie, chingshijie@asiaone.com, Asiaone, 12 September 2024 at 11:02 am


 Pope Francis has commended Singapore for its rapid development
PHOTO: Pope Francis has commended Singapore for its rapid development, but called for "special attention" to be given to the most vulnerable in society.
Photo by AsiaOne / Dennis Palit
Picture posted by Ching Shi Jie, chingshijie@asiaone.com, Asiaone on 12 September 2024 at 11:02 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EFxlcXEmD1BHjOhQW3i_kdpyvhExB2vnW3PhEi0uMAI1WWv3bQebMLRSrN7kwjFuE19Vl1coB6STUrhapNnDIxEuFR6h_WOyPpPkIkZXHOFavdwOw1k5DII-vhxF07SLrS_sUutqy1wBFtIdlqyDNQamDDjS3WeNI8O0yB_xXLy5txRfaUjboi-SIB0/s1200/NUSUCCPopeFrancis_AsiaOne.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_top_image/public/original_images/Sep2024/NUSUCCPopeFrancis_AsiaOne.jpg?itok=FDOB1jwu
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/pope-francis-calls-singapore-give-special-attention-poor-and-elderly-state-address


Pope Francis has commended Singapore for its rapid development, but called for "special attention" to be given to the most vulnerable in society.

In his speech at the National University of Singapore's University Cultural Centre on Thursday (Sept 12), the 87-year-old pontiff noted the Republic's "growth and resilience".

"Those arriving here for the first time cannot fail to be impressed by the mass of ultra-modern skyscrapers that seem to rise from the sea," he said in Italian.

Speaking to an audience which included members from social welfare groups and religious organisations, the Pope also commended the various policies to improve quality of life here, and in particular the most vulnerable.


 Pope Francis listens as President Tharman Shanmugaratnam speaks at the University Cultural Centre on Sept 12, 2024.
PHOTO: Pope Francis listens as President Tharman Shanmugaratnam speaks at the University Cultural Centre on Sept 12, 2024.
Speaking to an audience which included members from social welfare groups and religious organisations, the Pope also commended the various policies to improve quality of life here, and in particular the most vulnerable.
Picture posted by Ang Hwee Min, today on12 September 2024
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxoS4WYhdQ9CzRJOXy0YJUZWaODQL2nlg3-bdz8N2mc9WIEs_AyELIR5MKUoYNCnS0sPieuTWu1LUO7LFKOhmqZ17OjN6hWqrxzftZIl_vKNiwgeIDS5chB-zbQg2n-I3Lii7i3iEshZQdAiCZtWqsvj3Tbkaonjjzp6VWiUxXv-HnP1uDK45vMi8kmI/s830/000_36g44d6.png
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https://www.todayonline.com/news/pope-francis-commends-singapores-policies-supporting-vulnerable-hopes-special-attention-poor-and-elderly-2481321


These include through public housing measures, the "high quality" education and an "efficient" healthcare system.

The Pope said: "I hope that special attention will be paid to the poor and the elderly, whose labours have laid the foundations for the Singapore we see today.

"As well as protecting the dignity of migrant workers. [They] contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage."


 The Pope said
PHOTO: The Pope said: "I hope that special attention will be paid to the poor and the elderly, whose labours have laid the foundations for the Singapore we see today.
"As well as protecting the dignity of migrant workers. [They] contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage."
Picture posted by NBC News on 12 September 2024
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlW2mfdHJF1aEZvwRfFObFKnnM6gd6SL3EdbWgMt-T8U8bR6YGiIfS0rMXLQZjAk51sdQtNGUNbYwFD0uooYqPYKvnjYXD42ez4odEGC5nZSFhaBaaokNy_6kFqGjecZ7Qhf0-hTjFMBeIDZtlX2UIQaQYnPHuT2oQixoWvKo6AZ-T4meaIgFrc45ApE/s1500/f_tov_lon_popesingapore_240912-spc0s6.jpg
https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit_1500w/mpx/2704722219/2024_09/f_tov_lon_popesingapore_240912-spc0s6.jpg
https://www.nbcnews.com/video/pope-francis-stresses-respect-for-vulnerable-members-of-society-in-singapore-219225669621


Describing Singapore as a mosaic of ethnicities, cultures and religions living together in harmony, the Pope also said that inclusiveness is facilitated by the impartiality of authorities who engage in constructive dialogue with all.

Mutual respect, co-operation, dialogue and the freedom to exercise one's beliefs within the conflicts of the law allow for Singapore's success and stability, he added.

"They are necessary for avoiding conflict and chaos, and provide instead for a balanced and sustainable development."


 Mutual respect, co-operation, dialogue and the freedom to exercise one's beliefs within the conflicts of the law allow for Singapore's success and stability, he added.
PHOTO: Mutual respect, co-operation, dialogue and the freedom to exercise one's beliefs within the conflicts of the law allow for Singapore's success and stability, he added.
Some of the 800 guests spotted in the audience include Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, and former presidents Halimah Yacob and Tony Tan.
Photo from ST File 
Picture posted by The Straits Times on 25 June 2020 at 11:25 pm - Mr Goh with President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana on Aug 8, 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKPsPebXK7HaEFDzFbDZsjdF0c_OaouYxvGySKo1FqjffWbvpRVFAHePb9Bl8o_nlmcX1r_4AR-Ea3aFIo1elJfKBzaXNJ1XF08vC9xAfBPqglIXU7W4VGnz0yqveEZ93xy8-dwl1yzI3ALdeurZBttNj7QK2Zejg0JmT8Yk_fMQDZMcbOwBQSJPc9Lc/s1200/ycesm8-250620.png
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https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/photos/in-pictures-esm-goh-chok-tong-retires-from-politics


Some of the 800 guests spotted in the audience include Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, and former presidents Halimah Yacob and Tony Tan. 

Prior to the Pope's address, President Tharman also spoke to the attendees, referring to Pope Francis as an "impassioned global voice against war".


 Prior to the Pope's address, President Tharman also spoke to the attendees
PHOTO: Prior to the Pope's address, President Tharman also spoke to the attendees, referring to Pope Francis as an "impassioned global voice against war". 
Photo from YouTube / Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
Picture posted by Ching Shi Jie, chingshijie@asiaone.com, Asiaone on 12 September 2024 at 11:02 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLm1i4KhCQIE98Zx1qOQhOSP5lf53HfgQglZTOmYJUL1ezJ_zeRxtL2yVhqVvKJSBa4SicBbzwxvqWsAZK6k3n_je0YrQJL5wwvo_96qAUDwqOFVkHQLTnbLiBoSMTNhKTMzUF36f_wcK0UknPHkJcAykyKyU8SCZg3hDOoLrIj_ThOJ8tCXhvVCQlcCY/s1200/NUSUCCPopeFrancisPresidentTharman_youtube.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NUSUCCPopeFrancisPresidentTharman_youtube.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/pope-francis-calls-singapore-give-special-attention-poor-and-elderly-state-address

He added that the pontiff's consistent call for promoting dialogue and harmony between different groups and faiths is something that "resonates with Singaporeans". 

"We are a multi-racial, multi-religious and multicultural society... For us, solidarity and harmony have therefore been at the core - and will remain core - features in our national development," said President Tharman.

Pope's speech 'inspiring'
Several guests told AsiaOne that they found the Pope's speech "inspiring", and a timely reminder of their goals of promoting inter-religious harmony.

President of the Inter-Religious Organisation Gurmit Singh said that he is amazed that the Pope, who has suffered increasing health problems in recent years, is willing to travel around the world to spread peace and harmony.

Singapore is the last leg of the pontiff's gruelling 12-day trip in the Asia-Pacific region. He has since visited Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste.


 Pope Francis, 87, will travel to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore in September, the Vatican announced on April 12, 2024.
PHOTO: Pope Francis, 87, will travel to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore in September, the Vatican announced on April 12, 2024.
Picture posted by AFP on 12 April 2024 @ 6:31pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28R6eFgc-z200wKzYxuQFU8_cJq5pVRKXHLlOHzqE1ardO1b81x8afJJypfRClNRd7z3uIFgTeuxblRf1e2a6S2INF-VrNsaq5_OwZdTDsShekWF4SRSv-_5pDQ8ZzFCIh2TIq_fn4LGPKvQISevs69m6rlQFbSVQbqBrzBL1HC6sxGJlR8RbHCV-vUs/s900/Pope_Francis120424_1712917898.png
https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/Pope_Francis120424_1712917898.jpg
https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2024/04/1037198/updated-pope-travel-indonesia-singapore-timor-leste-and-papua-new-guinea


Singh said: "Promoting racial and religious harmony is what we have been doing already, and it reassures us that we are going down the correct path.

"I'm not a Catholic, so it would be nice if other faith leaders like [the Pope] can go around the world and spread the message that peace can happen."

Hazlina Halim, president of Singapore Muslim Women's Association, was particularly moved by the Pope praying for spiritual help for members of the government and civil society to "respond to the needs and expectations of young people".


 Hazlina Halim, president of Singapore Muslim Women's Association, speaking to the media after the Pope's state address on Sept 12.
PHOTO: Hazlina Halim, president of Singapore Muslim Women's Association, speaking to the media after the Pope's state address on Sept 12. 
Photo by AsiaOne / Ching Shi Jie
Picture posted by Ching Shi Jie, chingshijie@asiaone.com, Asiaone on 12 September 2024 at 11:02 am
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https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20241209_popestateaddress_0.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/pope-francis-calls-singapore-give-special-attention-poor-and-elderly-state-address


"I found that really beautiful," said Halim, whose non-profit organisation provides family services, student care and early childhood education for women and families.

"It's also a reminder of what we do - to uplift the vulnerable amongst us."


 Pope Francis meets with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Parliament House on Sept 12, 2024.
PHOTO: Pope Francis meets with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Parliament House on Sept 12, 2024.
Picture posted by Ang Hwee Min, today on 12 September 2024
 

 Pope Francis also had an orchid hybrid named after him.
PHOTO: Pope Francis also had an orchid hybrid named after him.
CEO of Singapore's National Parks Board Hwang Yu-Ning presents Pope Francis with a "Dendrobium His Holiness Pope Francis", a specially bred orchid variety named after him at Parliament House on Sept 12, 2024.
Picture posted by Ang Hwee Min, today on 12 September 2024
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvZyrbtQjnDAuTo2jyu8uF6jdcT_if9eqDdletVYUPs1wzHvq2zITakePwGzmS_KQtjIfsEgdinI2Plo5UIHzaXy07m90TFnKL3FMXFFVAHG5E3Lpw8DFreY6dOwNs0OP2ctxhov6Lt6xYrVe_JNWnBdI1Dz761CW3Tckv32X_gNRcGa31WXTervD8hY/s830/000_36g2492.png
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https://www.todayonline.com/news/pope-francis-commends-singapores-policies-supporting-vulnerable-hopes-special-attention-poor-and-elderly-2481321

By Ching Shi Jie, chingshijie@asiaone.com, Asiaone, 12 September 2024 at 11:02 am
For more on Pope Francis' state visit, visit our microsite.
For more original AsiaOne articles, visit here.


More on Pope Francis visits in Singapore

Punggol residents in awe of being neighbours to Pope Francis during his stay, posted on Monday, 16 September 2024
Punggol residents in awe of being neighbours to Pope Francis during his stay, posted on Monday, 16 September 2024
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2024/09/punggol-residents-in-awe-of-being.html
Reference
[1] Ching Shi Jie, chingshijie@asiaone.com, Asiaone, Pope Francis calls on Singapore to give 'special attention' to poor and elderly in state address, posted on 12 September 2024 at 11:02 am, https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/pope-francis-calls-singapore-give-special-attention-poor-and-elderly-state-address


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