S'pore Leaders Congratulate New Pontiff as Local Catholics Rejoice

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have written to Pope Leo XIV to congratulate him on his election, as local Catholics celebrate the news of the newly elected pontiff.

- Sarah Koh

Both President Tharman and PM Wong noted, in their respective letters, the Catholic Church's contributions in Singapore, and the growing relationship between Singapore and the Holy See, with the late Pope Francis visiting the Republic on a state visit in 2024.

Mr Tharman acknowledged the Church's role in providing education, healthcare and social services since Singapore's early days.

He said: "These efforts have helped promote a culture of compassion and inclusiveness that has benefited people of all backgrounds in Singapore.

"As a multiracial and multi-religious country, we value the Church's message of inclusion and its role in fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding."

In his letter, PM Wong said the "longstanding and warm relations" between Singapore and the Holy See are built on "a shared interest in promoting peace and interfaith understanding", and that he looks forward to deepening these ties.

He added: "The Catholic Church has done good work in Singapore to serve the underprivileged, to help foster a spirit of inclusiveness, and to encourage interreligious dialogue."

In a statement on May 9, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said "Habemus Papam!" as it gave thanks to God for the blessing of a new "Vicar of Christ".

The Latin phrase means "We have a pope".

"On Thursday, May 8, at 6.06pm Rome time, the 133 cardinal electors chose the 267th Pope," said the archdiocese.

"We rejoice at the election of Pope Leo XIV as the successor of Saint Peter and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church."