Witness the awe-inspiring journey of the Singapore Airlines flight A350 as it takes off under a partially cloudy sky, embarking on a flight that spans over continents and oceans. Flying over Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and many other countries, the plane covers a quarter of the world’s distance on its route back to Rome.
Experiencing a historic 12-day pilgrimage that commenced on September 2, the Pope visited four countries in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. His mission was to inspire and strengthen the Catholic faithful, encouraging them to continue their journey of faith, promote dialogue, condemn political exploitation of religion, and advocate for the protection of our planet.
In Singapore, the Pope embarked on his final day with a visit to the Santa Teresa Home, where he offered comfort to the elderly and sick residents. Meeting with Card. William Seng Chye Goh, priests, and consecrated individuals, the Pope bid farewell before continuing to a significant interreligious gathering at the Catholic Junior College.
Draped in flags and exuding unity, the young crowd welcomed the Pope with applause and chants. The Cardinal Archbishop of Singapore highlighted the city-state’s dedication to interreligious harmony, as representatives from Hindu, Sikh, and Catholic faiths shared their testimonies.
Addressing the gathered youth, the Pope emphasized the importance of courage, sharing, and discernment in fostering unity among diverse religious communities. He encouraged them to build a fraternal world, embracing the richness of their respective religions.
As the meeting drew to a close with a call to unity and hope, a moment of silent prayer marked the Pope’s departure from Singapore. Heading back to Rome, he bid farewell to leaders of other religions present and left for the airport, leaving behind a legacy of peace, dialogue, and compassion.
