Pope Francis on Thursday highlighted
"the risk that a certain pragmatism and a certain exaltation of
merit entails, or the unintentional consequence of legitimizing
the exclusion of those who find themselves on the margins of the
benefits of progress", addressing authorities in Singapore, the
final leg of his 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania.
The pontiff expressed the hope that "particular attention be
given to the poor, the elderly and to safeguard the dignity of
migrant workers", and that efforts to improve the living
conditions of citizens "continue until they fully involve all
residents of Singapore".
Francis went on to hail Singapore's role on the international
scenario for "worthily promoting multilateralism and an order
based on rules shared by all".
He also said that "your commitment for sustainable development
and the safeguard of creation is an example to follow, and the
search for innovative solutions to deal with environmental
challenges can encourage other countries to do the same".
The pontiff told authorities and civil society that "your unique
position offers you access to capitals, technologies and talents
- resources that can guide innovation to take care of our common
home".
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