During the return flight from his visit to Singapore, Pope Francis spoke with the journalists accompanying him. In his remarks, he expressed his deep concern about the conflict in Gaza, highlighting the dramatic situation of civilians killed and pointing out the lack of progress towards peace. “The war in Gaza is too much!” exclaimed the Pope, stressing the urgent need for a ceasefire and concrete steps to resolve the conflict.

On the elections in the United States

Francis also addressed the issue of the American elections, commenting on the difficulty faced by Catholics when choosing between candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The Pope stressed the importance of voting with a conscience and strongly condemned both abortion and the rejection of migrants, describing both practices as contrary to life.

Views on China

In his remarks, the Pope expressed a positive judgment on the agreement with China, describing the country as “a promise and a hope for the Church.” He stressed the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration for the appointment of bishops, showing optimism about the relations between the Vatican and China.

Reflections on Singapore

Francis shared his positive impressions of Singapore, describing it as a developed and clean country, with a remarkable interreligious culture. He praised the harmonious coexistence and the interreligious meeting he witnessed, considering it a model of fraternity. He also highlighted the good treatment of migrant workers and the lack of discrimination observed during his visit.

Problems and hope in East Timor

The Pope also expressed his admiration for East Timor, highlighting the country’s joy and culture of life, although he warned about external influences that could threaten this harmony. Addressing the strong presence of sects in the region, he suggested that these could represent a challenge for the local Catholic community.

Message for Indonesia

Regarding Indonesia, Francis spoke about the country’s struggle for democracy and the need to develop more equitable social relations. He stressed the importance of communication between different sectors of society and was pleased with his visit, describing the country as charming.

The Pope’s stance on war and peace

On a broader note, Francis reiterated his condemnation of the war, calling it a defeat for all involved. He stressed the importance of fraternity and dialogue as means to achieve peace, and expressed his gratitude toward the efforts of leaders such as King Abdullah in promoting peace in the region.

Abuse and human dignity

The Pope addressed the sensitive issue of sexual abuse, emphasizing the need to speak openly about such cases and to work against all types of abuse. He stressed that child abuse is a crime and a shame, and stated that abuse in all its forms destroys human dignity.

Conclusions of the trip

At the end, Francis thanked the journalists for their company and work during the trip, and answered questions about possible future visits to Argentina and other topics. He reiterated his commitment to peace, human dignity and social justice, concluding a trip full of profound reflections and messages of hope.