President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written congratulatory letters to His Holiness Pope Francis, who has been elected as the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. The full texts of the congratulatory letters are attached.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
14 MARCH 2013
Congratulatory letter from President Tony Tan Keng Yam
14 March 2013
His Holiness Pope Francis
The Holy See
Your Holiness,
On behalf of the people of Singapore, I would like to extend to you my warmest congratulations on your election as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church plays a leading role in championing the values of peace, tolerance and compassion in the world. As a multi-religious and multi-racial country, Singapore places great importance on religious harmony and peaceful co-existence amongst our people. The Catholic community in Singapore has played a key role in strengthening inter-faith dialogue and promoting tolerance and religious harmony over the years. It has also made important contributions to Singapore through the provision of education to our people and delivery of social services to the poor and needy of all faiths and ethnic groups. The Singapore Government will work closely with the newly ordained Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh, whose ordination I had the privilege to attend, to continue the good work of the Catholic Church in Singapore.
I am confident that Your Holiness will build on the legacy of your predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI to be a beacon of leadership and faith to Catholics in Singapore and all over the world.
Please accept, Your Holiness, the assurances of my highest consideration.
TONY TAN KENG YAM
Congratulatory letter from PM Lee Hsien Loong
14 March 2013
Your Holiness,
On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I offer my warmest congratulations on your election as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
Relations between Singapore and the Holy See are warm and growing. The appointment of an Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore three years ago was a significant milestone in our bilateral relations, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011. We have worked well together to advance equity and development, and promote peace and religious harmony. The Catholic Church and community in Singapore have fostered strong links with other religious groups, promoted interfaith dialogue and strengthened religious harmony. It has also long served the less privileged in our society, particularly through education.
I look forward to working closely with Your Holiness, the Apostolic Nuncio in Singapore Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, and our newly appointed Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh to strengthen our relationship. I wish Your Holiness all the best in your new role.
Please accept, Your Holiness, the assurances of my highest consideration.
LEE HSIEN LOONG
His Holiness Pope Francis
The Holy See