Singapore Catholics Hope Next Pope Continues Francis' Legacy of Unity and Compassion

The next pontiff should continue Pope Francis’ legacy of reaching out to all people, including those who are not Christians, and to “mirror Christ to all,” say Singapore Catholics as cardinals around the world prepare for the upcoming conclave.

“Our world is in a state that has left many questioning their humanity with so many acts of terror occurring,” said Mr. Jared Ng, 32. “We need a pope who can continue to rally and unite us.”

“I would like the next pope to build on the legacy left by Pope Francis and not ignore or dismiss his efforts,” he said, adding that “it would be wonderful if we could have a pope from Asia.”

Mr. Ng, a former church journalist, shared that he once had an opportunity to interview Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, whom the media have suggested could be the next pope.

Mr. Ng had asked the cardinal then about his thoughts on the issue. “He simply smiled it off and said he didn't give it much thought,” said Mr. Ng. “Maybe there's a little more thought now, but whoever is selected, my prayers and support will be with him,” said Mr. Ng.

Mr. Kevin Lim, on the other hand, said he feels that the next pope “doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of Francis.”

“But the next pope must have the energy and charisma to reach out to the faithful from every corner of the world as well as influence the many who do not believe,” said Mr. Lim, 59.

Ms. Diana Koh, 82, agrees. It is important that the next pope “mirror Christ to all—people of other or no faith, so we all see him as a God-loving, God-fearing man,” she said.

Catholics remember the late pope for his humanity, humility, and servant leadership.

Mrs. Teresa Wright, 60, recalled that when a boy asked him if his late father, who did not believe in God, was in Heaven, the late Pope replied, without a moment’s hesitation, that a father who allowed his children to be believers was a good man, and God would surely make room for him in Heaven.

Furthermore, when asked by a reporter what he thought of gay priests, the Pope replied to the question with a question, “Who am I to judge?” 

“What a wise man, our Pope!” said Mrs. Wright, adding that he “taught a lesson on humanity” with such a question.

Mr. Ng shared that he will always remember Pope Francis for all the challenges he guided the Church through, such as “the child sex abuse scandals that rocked the Church, his love and compassion for migrants, his continued advocacy for interfaith dialogue, and his discerning voice in trying to cater to the LGBTQ community.”

“What impressed me about the Pope was that he was a Pope for the people—despite being sick and old, he traveled to Singapore in 2024, among other countries, to be with us and celebrate Mass.”

Mr. Lim shared that what impressed him about Pope Francis was his humility, “his shunning of the many trappings of office after he became Pope.”

“His comments about the Church being a ‘big tent’ welcoming to all resonated,” said Mr. Lim, a volunteer during the Papal Mass in Singapore last September. “His washing of the feet of prisoners, promising an unwed expectant mother that he would personally baptize her child if no priest would, etc., are among the other examples that stood out.”

It is not only Catholics who have fond memories of Pope Francis.

Ms. Koh shared that non-Catholic Christians sent her messages “about the positive thoughts they had of the Pope,” particularly her nephew, who “summed up what I feel forcefully: Pope Francis walked the talk.”

Cardinals around the world are scheduled to vote for a new pope in May in a conclave.

(Christopher Khoo is a Singapore-based journalist, writer and educator.)