Pope Francis has urged political leaders in Singapore to seek fair wages for the country’s million-plus lower-paid foreign workers.
Concern For Singapore’s Senior Citizens and Migrant workforce.
The 87-year-old pontiff voiced concern for Singapore’s rapidly ageing population and its migrant workforce.
This is perhaps the last major speech of his ambitious 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania.
“I hope that special attention will be paid to the poor and the elderly … as well as to protecting the dignity of migrant workers,” the pope said.
About 1,000 politicians and civil and religious leaders turned up to listen to his speech.
Contribution Of Workers To Society
“These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage,” he said.
There were 1.1 million foreigners on work permits in Singapore who earned less than S$3,000 ($2,300) per month as of December 2023,
These included 286,300 domestic workers and 441,100 workers in the construction, shipyard and process sectors, government data shows.
Where Do Migrant Workers Come From?
Many of the migrant workers come from nearby countries such as Malaysia, China, Bangladesh and India.
Many also come from the Philippines, a majority Catholic country.
Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics, a Singapore NGO that provides services for migrant workers, welcomed the remarks of Pope Francis.
Singapore’s workforce ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Earlier on his trip, he asked leaders in Papua New Guinea to work for fair wages.
Papua New Guinea has become a major target of international companies for its gas, gold and other reserves. ‘Example To Follow’
Meetings With President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and PM Lawrence Wong
Francis’ speech came after private meetings with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the country’s parliament building.
The Pope was presented a white orchid plant, a new hybrid named in his honour.
Pope Francis Praised Singapore’s efforts to confront climate change
Francis praised Singapore’s efforts to confront climate change, calling them a model for other countries.
The Singapore government says rising sea levels due to global warming could have major implications for its low-lying coastline.
Singapore is planning to spend S$100 billion ($77 billion) over the course of the century on the issue.
“Your commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of creation is an example to follow,” the pope said.
Francis, who has prioritised trips to places never visited by a pope, or where Catholics are a small minority, is only the second pope to visit Singapore, following a brief 5-hour layover by the late John Paul II in 1986.
Population Of Singapore
Singapore, with a population of 5.92 million, is plurality Buddhist, with about 31% of people identifying with that faith.
The Vatican counts about 210,000 Catholics in the country, although that number is higher if foreign workers are included.
There are also strong Muslim, Hindu and Taoist communities.
Singapore Is A Mosaic Of Ethnicities, Cultures And Religions
Francis praised Singapore as “a mosaic of ethnicities, cultures and religions living together in harmony”.
Francis celebrated a Mass which the Vatican said drew some 50,000 people to Singapore’s national sports stadium.
People queued outside the stadium, under tight security measures, at least five hours before the start of the event.
Connie Rodriguez, a Filipino Catholic in Singapore, said it was “overwhelming” to see the pope. “You really feel so blessed,” she said.
Francis toured the stadium at the beginning of the event in a white golf cart decorated with the Vatican seal.
He greeted dozens of school children, babies, and disabled people.
He also took a few selfies.
Among those who attended the Mass, which featured a prayer in Mandarin, were Catholics who travelled from Hong Kong for the event, including the territory’s archbishop, Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan.
Deal With China Over Appointment Of Catholic Bishops
The Vatican is currently renegotiating a controversial deal with China over the appointment of Catholic bishops in the country, which is up for renewal in October.
Francis’ 12-day tour has also included stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor.
He returns to Rome on Friday.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
