SINGAPORE – The Roman Catholic fraternity in Singapore has paid tribute to Pope Francis, following the announcement of his death on April 21 at the age of 88.
Ms Chiarina Mapa, who was part of the 1,600-strong mass choir that sang during the Pope’s visit to Singapore in September 2024, said she was saddened by his death.
In a nod to the pontiff, who championed issues like migrants and the environment, she said: “He was the Pope of our times – he always thought of how to preserve the future generations and enrich ours. He was well loved, and I will miss him deeply.”
Another choir member who performed during the visit in 2024, 67-year-old Ms Tracey Yeh, said: “The thing I will always remember is Pope Francis’ theme of unity and hope.
“Unity among diverse groups with different views, faiths and principles; and how to bring hope to the world as Catholics.”
Ms Genevieve Chan, 52, who attended the mass at the National Stadium during Pope Francis’ visit here, likewise expressed her sorrow at the news of his death.
She said: “I just returned from Rome recently but there was no papal audience as he was recently discharged then.
“But being there with him in spirit, and especially during this Jubilee year, gives me a great sense of oneness with him and the Church. Rest in peace, Papa!”
When The Straits Times arrived at Novena Church around 6pm on April 21, there were about 30 people sitting inside in silent reflection, as a steady stream of parishioners filed into the chapel.
About 100 worshippers had arrived by the time the evening mass began at 6.30pm.
Mr Fernandez Bonnie, 70, a regular parishioner who works part-time in security, said: “I’m feeling very down, he was a great man... He taught us to respect all religions and that we are all equal. He always sympathised with the deprived.”
Ms Fiona Vo, 36, said she felt sad, but was glad that the Pope was able to attend Easter Mass in the Vatican on April 20. She told ST: “He always talked about being merciful, and he reminded sinners that if they sinned against God, they would be forgiven.”
Another local Catholic, Ms Evelyn Chew, 46, expressed her deep gratitude to the Pope and for his legacy.
“It was significant that one of his last actions was to visit the prisoners in Regina Coeli to show his solidarity with them. And despite clearly feeling very tired and unwell, he made the effort to meet the young people and pilgrims who had gathered for Easter,” she said, referring to the prison in Rome that the Pope visited on Holy Thursday on April 17.
“He gave of himself unstintingly, to the end, and that has been a real inspiration for me.”
In a message to its flock, the Roman Catholic Archdioceseof Singapore called the pontiff “a champion of unity and hope, not just for Catholics, but for the world, especially the weak, the marginalised, and the poor”.
“Pope Francis’ constant call for inclusivity gave the world a Church that welcomed all, especially those who yearned for love, mercy, and hope. His actions inspired the faithful to be the face of Christ to others and reach out to those on the fringes of society,” it added.
It also said that during his three-day visit to multicultural, multi-religious Singapore, the Pope had emphasised the importance of dialogue and understanding between different religious communities. He also called on young people to be open to feedback “in order to have sincere dialogue with one another”.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore will hold a memorial mass at 1.15pm on April 22 at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Queen Street. The mass will be celebrated by Archbishop William Goh.
Pope Francis dies at age 88 Singapore leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis following his death at 88
Francis ‘brought on changes to our faith’
For Filipino Catholics in Singapore, news of Pope Francis’ death set off a sense of profound loss and sadness, although it did not come as totally unexpected.
“We knew that he had been sick for some time now,” said Ms Prellyn Lum, 41, a nurse.
“Still, we all feel his loss because he was a leader who brought on so much changes to our faith.”
Ms Noeleen Dumapi, who works in the food and beverage sector, told ST: “We lost a father.”
The 36-year-old said it meant so much to her personally that Pope Francis offered prayers specifically for the Philippines during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I believe something good came out of it,” she said.
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There is also an expectation among Filipinos in Singapore that the progressive reforms the Pope initiated to make the Catholic Church more inclusive would go on.
Pope Francis had preached tolerance and openness towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
In 2023, he formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples, as long as the blessings are not confused with the ritual of marriage, and called out the “hypocrisy” of those who criticised him for that decision.
Ms Dumapi said: “I think it’s not important who will replace him, but that what he’s done will continue. He preached openness. He welcomed everyone to the Church.”
The Inter-Religious Organisation, which represents 10 faiths in Singapore, expressed its condolences in a Facebook post.
“His departure marks the loss of a deeply respected religious leader whose steadfast commitment to interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence has left an enduring legacy for religious communities across the world,” it said of the Pope.
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