Singapore. About 50,000 people heard that “without love we are nothing”

On the eleventh day of his pilgrimage to Asia and Oceania Pope Francis celebrated mass at the National Stadium in SingaporeIn his homily, he expressed appreciation for the Church in this country, which is developing and conducting constructive dialogue with other denominations and religions.

The Pope spoke of the beauty of the city-state, of its “great and bold architecture, which contributes to making it so famous and fascinating”. – In the final analysis, also at the origin of these impressive buildings, as with any other undertaking that leaves a positive mark on this world, are not – as many think – primarily money, nor technology, nor even engineering, all of which are useful means – but love: precisely love that builds – he said.

“If anything good exists and endures in this world, it is only because, in infinite and varied circumstances, love has triumphed over hatred, solidarity over indifference, generosity over selfishness,” Francis said.

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The Pope explained that behind each of the works “there are hidden many stories of love”, “men and women united to each other in community, citizens dedicated to their country, mothers and fathers concerned about their families, professionals and workers”, “honestly committed to their different roles and tasks”.

In his opinion, we should be reminded that “nothing lasting is born and develops without love”. – Life, in the end, brings us to one reality: without love we are nothing – he said.

The Pope recalled the words of Saint. John Paul IIwho said during a mass in Singapore in 1986: “Love is characterized by deep respect for all people, regardless of race, creed and anything that might make them different from ourselves.”

Francis spoke of the need for respect, so that “brothers and sisters whom we meet every day on our path, are not divided into better and worse, and not made any distinctions.” He added that Singaporean society and the Church, “so ethnically diverse and yet so united and in solidarity,” are good examples of this.

The love that God shows us and which he invites us to practice is precisely this: it responds generously to the needs of the poor, shows compassion to those who live in sadness, is ready to offer hospitality, is able to endure difficult times of trial, is always ready to forgive, never loses hope.

The papal mass was held in a modern indoor stadium and was attended by many representatives of Singapore's Chinese community, which makes up the majority of its population. The bishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal Stephen Chow, also concelebrated the mass.

Three percent of Singapore's population, or about 180,000 people, are Catholics.

More than 100 priests from Vietnam. Catholics from this country are counting on the Pope's visit, which they already spoke about a year ago in Mongolia, when they came to the Pope's mass in Ulan Bator.