Pope Francis’s visit to Southeast Asia, spanning from September 2-13, saw the 87-year-old pontiff embarking on his longest trip yet, covering nearly 33,000 km (20,500 miles) to four island nations: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. His ambitious journey aimed to highlight urgent global climate action and advocate for the rights of vulnerable workers. Despite his physical limitations, Francis used this 12-day trip to address critical issues, such as climate change and social justice.
In Singapore, Pope Francis commended the country’s leadership in tackling climate change, describing its efforts as a model for other nations. Singapore’s government plans to invest S$100 billion ($77 billion) to combat rising sea levels, a severe threat to its low-lying coastline. The pope praised their commitment to sustainable development and called for other countries to adopt similarly innovative environmental solutions.
A major theme of Pope Francis’s visit to Southeast Asia was his concern for migrant workers. During a speech at the National University of Singapore, the pope urged political leaders to ensure fair wages for the country’s over one million low-paid foreign workers, many of whom work in construction and domestic services. Highlighting the significant contributions of these workers, Francis stressed the importance of protecting their dignity and improving their living conditions.
Following meetings with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Pope Francis delivered his speech to around 1,000 political, civil, and religious leaders. He expressed hopes for greater attention to be given to the poor, the elderly, and the migrant workforce, particularly as Singapore faces the challenge of a rapidly ageing population. By 2026, 21% of Singapore’s population will be aged 65 or older, classifying it as a “super-aged” society, according to the United Nations.
Earlier in Papua New Guinea, Francis also emphasized fair wages for workers, as the country becomes a focal point for international investment in resources like gas and gold. His consistent message throughout the tour was one of justice for the marginalized and action on climate change.
