MFA Press Statement: Commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Singapore and The Holy See and the 25th Anniversary of the visit of Blessed Pope John Paul II to Singapore 20 November 2011

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Law and Mrs K Shanmugam attended the Solemn Eucharist Celebration led by the Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd on 20 November 2011, which was held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Holy See and the 25th anniversary of the visit of Blessed Pope John Paul II to Singapore. Pope John Paul II visited Singapore on 20 November 1986.

Following the Holy Mass, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Community, Youth and Sports Mr Sam Tan attended the commemorative lunch hosted by the Apostolic Nuncio.

Singapore and the Holy See established diplomatic relations on 23 June 1981. Singapore values its warm relations with the Holy See. We share a common interest in promoting inter-faith dialogue and understanding, and attach great importance to the value of tolerance, harmony and respect in society. The 30th anniversary of Singapore-Holy See diplomatic relations coincided with the establishment of the resident Apostolic Nunciature in Singapore earlier this year, an important milestone in bilateral relations.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
20 NOVEMBER 2011
SINGAPORE

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SPEECH BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND MINISTER FOR LAW K SHANMUGAM AT THE SOLEMN EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION MARKING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VISIT OF BLESSED POPE JOHN PAUL II TO SINGAPORE
AND THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND THE HOLY SEE ON 20 NOVEMBER 2011 AT 10.00 AM, CATHEDRAL OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Your Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio in Singapore
Archbishop Nicholas Chia
Excellencies
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

1 My wife and I are honoured to join you today, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Holy See. I would like to convey our appreciation to His Excellency, the Apostolic Nuncio, for the kind invitation.

2 The visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to Singapore in November 1986 was a historic event. Many will have vivid memories of the 80,000 people who gathered for the Papal Mass at the National Stadium 25 years ago. His Holiness and his message touched the hearts of Singaporeans of all faiths - Catholics and non-Catholics alike - and from all walks of life.

3 His Holiness left a huge legacy. He was a world leader; a symbol of compassion and hope for millions. His message of tolerance, peace and harmony remains highly relevant today, especially in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society like Singapore.

4 This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Holy See.

5 Over the last 30 years, relations between Singapore and the Holy See have grown from strength to strength, anchored by our common interest to advance the cause of development and peaceful coexistence amongst people of different faiths.

6 Apart from the visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II in November 1986, other milestones include: the official visit of His Eminence Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, Special Envoy of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, to Singapore in June 2006 to mark the 25th anniversary of our diplomatic relations and the visit by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong to the Vatican City in November of the same year.

7 In 2005, the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Vatican Museums jointly presented the highly successful "Journey of Faith" exhibition. The exhibition paid tribute to the Catholic Church's long history in our region.

8 It was a great privilege for Singapore to have been entrusted with many precious relics. Quite importantly, the exhibition helped to promote inter-faith understanding. We hope that more of such cultural exchanges can be organised in future.

9 The Singapore-Holy See Third Country Training Programme is yet another significant feature of our bilateral cooperation. Since 1998, we have worked together to provide technical assistance to developing countries in the region, to help upgrade professional and linguistic skills.

10 Against this backdrop, Singapore is pleased that the Holy See has recently established a resident Apostolic Nunciature in Singapore. The appointment of His Excellency Archbishop Girelli as the first resident Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore signals the Vatican's desire to deepen its engagement with Singapore and other countries in ASEAN.

Your Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen

11 Before I conclude, let me take this opportunity to pay a tribute also to the Catholic community in Singapore and its many contributions to enrich our society.

12 Catholics make up about 7% of the Singapore population today. However, the community has always played an important role in providing education and care for the sick and underprivileged, regardless of religious affiliations.

13 It leaves me now to thank His Excellency Archbishop Girelli and his colleagues at the Apostolic Nunciature, as well as the Catholic community for allowing my wife and me to share this special commemorative celebration with you.

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