Pope Francis Arrives in Singapore for Final Stop of Asia-Pacific Tour
Pope Francis landed in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon, September 11, marking the last stop of his four-nation Asia-Pacific tour. The pontiff’s visit to Singapore is his first and the first papal visit to the city-state since 1986. The Vatican delegation’s plane touched down at Changi Airport at around 2:50 pm, where local dignitaries awaited his arrival.
Warm Welcome at Changi Airport
Upon his arrival, Pope Francis was greeted by Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Edwin Tong, and Janet Ang, Singapore’s non-resident ambassador to the Vatican. In a special gesture of hospitality, four youths performed the local classic “Singapore Town” for the pontiff, greeting him in four of Singapore’s official languages: Malay, English, Tamil, and Mandarin.
Pope Francis Meets Volunteers at Jurassic Mile
Following his warm reception, Pope Francis visited the Jurassic Mile along Airport Boulevard, where he met around 1,000 volunteers who were involved in organizing various aspects of his visit. The pontiff expressed his appreciation for their efforts and took time to interact with the group, marking the beginning of a three-day visit that includes key meetings and a public mass.
First Papal Visit to Singapore in Over Three Decades
Pope Francis’ visit to Singapore is a significant moment for the country, as it is the first papal visit in more than 30 years. During his three-day stay, the pope is scheduled to meet Singapore’s leaders and celebrate mass, providing an opportunity for local Catholics and residents to witness this historic event.
The visit is part of a broader mission to strengthen ties with Asia-Pacific nations and promote interfaith dialogue, peace, and understanding.
