Welcome Pope Francis! Leaders from Various Faiths Express Hopes for Peace and Dialogue in Singapore
Ahead of Pope Francis’ highly anticipated arrival in Singapore on Wednesday, leaders from diverse faiths across the country have come together to share their thoughts and hopes for peace and interreligious dialogue during the pontiff’s visit.
By LiCAS News
Just days before the historic visit of Pope Francis to Singapore, the Archdiocesan Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism Centre of Singapore (AIRDECS) and Catholic News reached out to leaders representing different religions to gather their perspectives on the pontiff’s stance on interreligious dialogue.
Mr. K Sengkuttuva, chairperson of the Hindu Advisory Board, conveyed his appreciation for Pope Francis’ call to cultivate peace through mutual respect without proselytism, stating that it has been well received by the Hindu diaspora. He expressed, “Bells have tolled to the tune of religious harmony through your sermons. You have administered the panacea that the world needs.”
Chief Rabbi Mordechai Abergel of the Jewish community expressed his gratitude for Pope Francis’s upcoming visit to Singapore, highlighting the importance of promoting coexistence amidst rising religious violence worldwide. The rabbi emphasized that the visit will strengthen ties among different faiths in Singapore, a commitment to which the Pope is deeply devoted.
The president of the Parsi Zoroastrian Association of South East Asia, Mr. Hormuz E. Avari, praised the pontiff for his consistent emphasis on interreligious dialogue as a means to foster understanding, respect, and peace among different faiths. He mentioned that Zoroastrians align with these beliefs and strive to build bridges towards equality, justice, and humanitarian efforts.
Most Venerable Seck Kwang Phing from the Singapore Buddhist Federation highlighted the critical need for advocating peace and harmony, referencing the establishment of the Inter-Religious Organisation in 1949. He expressed optimism that Pope Francis’s visit will further strengthen religious harmony in Singapore.
Leaders from the Taoist Federation and Jain Religious Society echoed similar sentiments, anticipating that the pontiff’s visit will deepen mutual understanding and promote religious harmony in Singapore. The Protestant Council and Lutheran Bishop also extended their prayers for the Pope’s health and wisdom in guiding the Catholic community worldwide.
Dr. Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, Mufti of Singapore, commended Pope Francis as a strong advocate for peaceful co-existence and emphasized Singapore’s standing as a symbol of peace and harmony. He referenced the Document on Human Fraternity, co-authored by Pope Francis, as a testament to the Vatican’s efforts to enhance relations with the Muslim community.
Various other religious leaders, including those from the Sikh Advisory Board and Bahá’í community, shared their anticipation for the Pope’s visit and highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts among different communities and institutions in Singapore.
On September 13, Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with youth leaders from various religions in Singapore during the “Interreligious Youth with Pope Francis” event organized by the Archdiocese of Singapore. The event will be followed by an art exhibit at Catholic Junior College.
