Now that the dust has settled … revisiting the Papal visit

Oct 04, 2024

Pope Francis’ recent visit to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Singapore brought a lot of excitement, not just for Catholics but also for people of other faiths who greeted him enthusiastically. Indeed many from our parishes were disappointed that they were unable to get tickets to be there in person in Singapore although I dare say that better views were to be had on TV screens.

It amazes me that earlier, more than half of the population of Timor Leste were there for an open-air Mass, braving the heat and the elements, arriving hours before to greet the Pope and to participate in the Eucharist. Many had travelled from so far and yet they were there! What a contrast this poorer nation was to the next stop, Singapore, with its towering skyscrapers! The Pope seemed completely at ease with the poor and the rich, the ordinary parishioner and presidents – truly living out his call of Fratelli Tutti.

It was beautiful to see people on the streets in Jakarta just waiting to wave at him, and how touching it was to see the Pope stop and despite language barriers, lovingly communicating God’s love as he blessed children at the tearful requests of their parents. It strikes me that people, even non- Catholics, simply loved the Pope. Likewise, he showed his love for his flock, by undertaking the longest journey of his pontificate, wheelchair and all. At an age when many choose to retire comfortably, he strives on with his mission despite the cost to himself. This puts many of us to shame and perhaps is an invitation to go on bravely, trusting in God’s grace and strength working in us.

As always, he reached out lovingly to people of other faiths, seeing them as sisters and brothers was a reminder to us all to keep the avenues of dialogue always open and to make the Church really a sacrament of Jesus' mercy and compassion to others. His visit to the Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta and signing a declaration on religious harmony with the grand imam is a reminder to all of us to look at commonalities, rather than what divides. The powerful image of Pope Francis holding the arm of the Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, and him kissing the head of the Pope was a powerful sign to the world that went viral over the media.

His warm outreach was also seen in the stadium in Singapore with the young as well as the old in wheelchairs coming to greet him and to receive a rosary from him. He was unhurried, offering the gift of himself to those blessed individuals while the rest of us felt also blessed as we watched vicariously on the screens. Again, his visit to the elderly the next day was a reminder to care for the elderly, who continue to share in the mission of the Church by their prayers.

Likewise, his time spent with the young, children as well as youth was a reminder to me that they are a priority and important part of the Church today, not tomorrow! In his encounter with the youth of Singapore, of all faiths, he showed us a beautiful example of openness to all people. He encouraged the young to be critical thinkers, and to be unafraid to criticise constructively and be criticised themselves. He challenged them to take risks, be unafraid to make mistakes and go out of their comfort zones and have the courage to build and to move forward. He also invited young people to use social media, but without being enslaved to it.

Prophetically, he reminded Singapore’s parliamentarians not to forget the poor and elderly whose labours have laid the foundations for the progress we see today. He also singled out migrant workers, asking that their dignity be protected.

I was blessed to have had the opportunity to be at the Papal Mass in Singapore. There was a sense of anticipation as I took a bus and stayed with friends who were also going and whose son was one of the many servers. We braved the crowds and got in after clearing the tight security. I was then ushered to a holding room, waiting with other priests before we entered the stadium in procession. Soon Pope Francis came in, in his buggy, greeting the elderly and children before he finally was brought up to the sanctuary and the Mass began. While Pope Francis presided and gave the homily, it was good to see two Malaysian bishops, Archbishop Julian Leow and Cardinal Sebastian Francis flanking Cardinal William Goh at the altar later.

The homily was a powerful call to see love as the centre of the Gospel. Like St Paul at the Areopagus in Athens centering on what was visibly evident, Pope Francis spoke of what he saw around in the grand buildings and invited us to see the stories behind the architects and workers, men and women united in community, citizens dedicated to their country, mothers and fathers concerned about their families, committed professionals and workers – all building up together what had been achieved. Nothing lasting is born or grows without love. Without love, we are nothing! At the root of our capacity to love and be loved is God Himself, who has redeemed us and freed us from sin and death, through the death and resurrection of His only Son. All that we are and can become has its origin and fulfilment in Jesus. Thus, in our love we see a reflection of God’s love. He also made mention of both Mother Mary and St Francis Xavier. The homily was truly an exhortation to listen and respond to “the invitations to love and live justly that continue to come to us today from the infinite love of God.”

The singing was magnificent, with the crowd being led by a huge choir. The liturgy was meticulously planned and there was a sense of awe and reverence. It truly was a powerful celebration and I was deeply moved. There was a poignant moment after Mass when Pope Francis was wheeled to the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, where he just sat in quiet prayer, reminding us all of Mary’s motherly intercession as well as her role as missionary-disciple.

That night I went home exhausted but exhilarated, having truly experienced the theme of Unity & Hope in the celebration. Here was I, a foreigner, yet feeling united with all my fellow Catholics and people of goodwill and buoyed by a strong sense of Hope that emanated not just from the words of the Pope but by the very celebration itself.

Upon his return to Rome, the Pope remarked he found the Church in Asia to be vibrant and alive, contrasting it with Europe. May that encourage us to keep the flame of faith alive, and continue to share the love of Christ, being light and salt where we are! May this historic visit not just fade into history but may we live out the messages we have received.

Meanwhile, he is on his next papal visit, this time to Luxembourg and Belgium, continuing tirelessly on his mission to the world. God bless Pope Francis!

(Fr Gerard Theraviam is the Parish Priest of the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the Spiritual Director to the World Community for Christian Meditation, Malaysia)