He also flagged the risk in focusing solely on pragmatism or “placing merit above all things”.
Pope Francis speaking at the State Address at the National University of Singapore's University Cultural Centre on Sept 12, 2024.Pope Francis and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the National University of Singapore's University Cultural Centre on Sept 12, 2024.SINGAPORE - Singapore has prospered while striving to build a society that values social justice and the common good, said Pope Francis on Sept 12.
In recent years, Singapore has introduced schemes such as ComLink+ to uplift lower-income families and provide them stability and social mobility, as well as boosted the Workfare income supplement for lower wage workers. Mutual respect, cooperation, dialogue and the freedom to exercise one’s beliefs has made it possible for everyone to make their own unique contribution to the common good, and also prevent extremism and intolerance from taking root, he added.
“It is ultimately this spirit of openness, mutual accommodation and respect that allows different religious communities to thrive in Singapore. None of this came naturally. It has been the work of nation-building over decades,” he added. From the very beginning of its presence in Singapore, since the 1800s, the Catholic Church has contributed to the progress of the nation in the areas of education, healthcare and charity, he said.
“I encourage you to continue to work in favour of the unity and fraternity of humanity and the common good of all peoples and all nations, in a way that does not exclude others or is restricted to your national interests,” he said.
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