Welcome to an exclusive insight on Pope Francis’ historic visit to Singapore. As the Pope makes his way to the country, the chairperson of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Singapore, Caroline Seow, expresses heartfelt appreciation for Pope Francis’ unwavering concern for migrants and the “plight of the stateless.”
By Mark Saludes and Peter Monthienvichienchai, LiCAS News
In an interview with LiCAS News, Ms. Seow shares her hopes for the impact of Pope Francis’ visit, stating, “Many in Singapore and elsewhere view refugees as ‘persona non grata’. We hope that Pope Francis’ visit to our country will raise awareness of the plight of the stateless.” She also expresses a desire for the Pope to encourage Singapore to advocate for the stateless and embrace a more compassionate approach to those in need.
The Pope’s itinerary in Singapore includes a meeting with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Parliament House. He will then address civil society, diplomats, and local authorities at the National University of Singapore (NUS) alongside President Tharman.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports a staggering 117.3 million individuals forcibly displaced worldwide due to various crises. Singapore, limited by size and population density, cannot readily accept refugees seeking asylum. However, the country has increased its support for humanitarian efforts, recognizing the importance of aiding those in need.
Ms. Seow stresses the need for collective action in addressing the refugee crisis, highlighting the initiatives of JRS Singapore, including the ‘LEAP@JRS’ program. This program aims to empower refugees with digital skills training, paving the way for a brighter future for displaced individuals residing in neighboring countries.
While progress has been made, Ms. Seow acknowledges the vast number of individuals still in need of assistance. She underscores the importance of global collaboration in tackling this humanitarian crisis and looks to Pope Francis as a beacon of hope for the marginalized.
As Singapore and other nations in Asia strive to do more for the stateless, the advocacy for those in need resonates profoundly. Ms. Seow expresses gratitude for Pope Francis’ advocacy for the underserved, emphasizing the impact of his compassionate leadership on a global scale.
Join us in spreading awareness and compassion for the stateless, inspired by the Pope’s visit to Singapore. Let’s stand together as a global community, making a positive impact on the lives of those most in need.
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