Pope Francis Advocates for Migrant Workers in Singapore

During his visit to Singapore, Pope Francis praised the nation for its economic achievements and commitment to social harmony, while urging the government to protect vulnerable groups, especially migrant workers. In meetings with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, he emphasized the importance of not prioritizing merit and pragmatism at the expense of those on the margins of society. The Pope called for fair wages and dignified working conditions for the over 300,000 migrant workers who contribute significantly to Singapore's development. He expressed admiration for Singapore's progress but warned against the risks of exclusionary practices in its competitive societal structure. The visit concluded with the unveiling of a new orchid named after him, symbolizing the ties between the papacy and the city-state. This stop marks the end of his extensive tour through Asia and Oceania, which highlighted economic disparities across the region.