President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written valedictory letters to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, who is stepping down from the Pontificate of the Catholic Church. Text of the valedictory letters is attached.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
28 FEBRUARY 2013
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Valedictory letter from President Tony Tan Keng Yam
25 February 2013
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
The Holy See
Your Holiness
On behalf of the people of Singapore, please accept my best wishes as you step down from your office as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
People all over the world, including many here in Singapore, will remember your tremendous contributions to the Catholic community. You devoted your life to shepherding Catholics around the world, and championing the causes of peace and development. Through your teachings, you have reinforced the Catholic faith and provided a beacon of inspiration and hope in the face of challenges from the modern world. As a multi-religious and multi-racial society, Singapore deeply admires your tireless efforts to promote inter-religious dialogue and harmony through your Pontificate. Your legacy will remain for generations to come.
Please accept, Your Holiness, the assurances of my highest consideration.
TONY TAN KENG YAM
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Valedictory letter from PM Lee Hsien Loong
28 February 2013
Your Holiness,
On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I wish to convey my best wishes to you as you step down from the Pontificate of the Catholic Church.
The ties between Singapore and the Holy See have strengthened under your wise leadership. We have worked well together to advance equity and development, and promote peace and religious harmony. Your decision to appoint an Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore in 2010 marked a significant milestone in our bilateral relations, and clearly signalled the Holy See’s desire to deepen its engagement with Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Throughout your papacy, you worked tirelessly to extend the Catholic Church’s outreach to Catholics and non-Catholics, using traditional and new media platforms to disseminate your teachings. You dealt with the challenges during your tenure with leadership and resolve. Your decision to step down from the Apostolic Seat reflects your humility and grace. I am sure that your love for the Church will continue to inspire many around the world.
I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Please accept, Your Holiness, the assurances of my highest consideration.
LEE HSIEN LOONG
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
The Holy See
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