Pontiff highlights need to support elderly, migrant workforce
During his visit to Singapore, Pope Francis called on the country’s political leaders to ensure fair wages for the over one million low-wage migrant workers who play a crucial role in sectors like construction and domestic services.
In a speech addressing around 1,000 political, civil, and religious leaders, the 87-year-old pontiff highlighted the need to support both the elderly and the migrant workforce in the rapidly aging nation.
"I hope that special attention will be paid to the poor and the elderly ... as well as to protecting the dignity of migrant workers," the pope said, according to Reuters. He emphasized that these workers make significant contributions to society and deserve fair compensation for their labor.
Government data shows that, as of December 2023, 1.1 million foreign workers in Singapore earned less than S$3,000 (approximately $2,300) per month, with 286,300 employed as domestic workers and 441,100 in construction and related industries.
Humanitarian concerns and migrant advocacy
The Pope’s call for better treatment of migrant workers resonated with local advocates, said Reuters. The Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME), a Singapore-based NGO that supports migrant laborers, expressed its agreement with the pontiff’s message, particularly his emphasis on fair wages.
Migrant workers in Singapore predominantly come from neighboring countries like Malaysia, China, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The Pope’s speech is part of his broader focus on advocating for marginalized communities and protecting vulnerable workers—a theme he has consistently championed during his international travels, said Reuters.
Earlier on this trip, he delivered a similar message in Papua New Guinea, urging leaders there to ensure fair wages as the country faces growing exploitation of its natural resources by international corporations.
Back in 2022, Pope Francis chose Luis Herrera Tejedor to serve as the inaugural HR director of the Holy See.
Praise for Singapore’s climate leadership
Pope Francis also commended Singapore’s efforts to combat climate change, calling the city-state a global model for sustainable development. Singapore, a low-lying island nation, is taking proactive measures to address rising sea levels and other environmental challenges by planning to spend S$100 billion (about $77 billion) over the next century on climate resilience projects, said Reuters.
"Your commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of creation is an example to follow," the pope said, underscoring the importance of environmental stewardship.
Pope Francis met privately with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong before his speech.
