SINGAPORE (UCAN): Singapore’s minister of Culture, Community and Youth, Edwin Tong, met with Pope Francis on January 5 at the Vatican during an official visit aimed at reaffirming bilateral ties.
The 52-year-old Tong, a Catholic and a member of the ruling People’s Action Party, had a brief audience with the pope along with a delegation that included non-resident ambassador, Janet Ang.
During the audience, Tong gave the pope a commemorative book on behalf of Archbishop William Goh of Singapore. The Straits Times reported that the book is a souvenir published as part of the recent celebrations marking the Catholic Church’s 200 years in Singapore.
They also briefly spoke about issues of mutual interest including social cohesion, multi-religiosity and harmony.
Following the visit, Tong posted photos on his Facebook page and expressed his appreciation of the encounter.
“Pope Francis was warm, humble and personable. He had a kind word or gesture for everyone and made it a point to warmly welcome everyone in the Singapore delegation,” Tong said.
He also applauded Pope Francis’ third encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, which he says profoundly explores the pope’s teachings on “universal love, reconciliation, peace and solidarity.”
Fratelli Tutti, he said, aims to promote a universal aspiration toward fraternity and social friendship, concluding that the time has come to “dream, then, as a single human family.”
Tong added, “These teachings resonate strongly with a multicultural and religiously diverse Singapore. His unwavering outreach and a strong heart for the last, the lost and the least in each community are valuable learning points for our own society.”
He added, “These teachings transcend the Catholic faith, and indeed, anyone single faith alone; they have a true universal, timeless relevance.”
Tong said that Singapore will continue to work to foster closer ties with the Holy See.
The Archdiocese of Singapore has about 360,000 Catholics and the city-state has maintained diplomatic relations with the Vatican since 1981.
