Singapore’s top leaders have paid heartfelt tributes to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, following a brief period of illness, The Straits Times reported. His death marked the end of a papacy deeply admired around the world, including in Singapore, where he made a historic three-day visit in September 2024.

In doing so he was the first pope to make an official visit although Pope John Paul II made a brief stopover in the 1980s.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam remembered the pontiff as a beacon of “unwavering compassion, humility, and dedication to humanity,” whose message of peace resonated across Singapore’s multi-faith society. Recalling their meetings in Rome and later in Singapore, Tharman said Pope Francis embodied a powerful voice for the poor, for peace, and climate action — a "voice of hope and unity" that will be missed globally.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong offered condolences to the Catholic community, stating that Pope Francis’ leadership “touched countless lives” and inspired efforts to build interfaith harmony. Wong, who also met the Pope during his visit to Singapore, said the pontiff’s message of compassion and inclusivity struck a deep chord with Singaporeans and left behind “a strong legacy.”

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong praised Pope Francis for being progressive on social issues and his unwavering push for interreligious dialogue. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan echoed similar sentiments, calling the pontiff “a shining beacon of hope” and recalling the Pope’s appeal during a 2019 meeting: “Pray for me.”

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong reflected on his moments with the Pope, sharing how Francis' warm humour and approachable nature stood out. “He was disarming while he was the Pope; he was also very much one of us,” Tong said, remembering the pontiff’s gentle presence and unassuming charisma during his 2024 visit.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, who met Pope Francis both in 2013 and during his visit to Singapore, remembered the serene aura he carried. “He spoke kindly, firmly, and with purpose,” she said, noting how his presence left a lasting impression.

Pope Francis’ landmark visit to Singapore last year, the first by a pontiff since Pope John Paul II's brief stop in 1986, left an indelible impact on the nation. His death, while expected by some after recent health setbacks, came as a shock to many who had seen him appear in public as recently as Easter Sunday, April 21.