MFA Press Statement: Valedictory letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

28 February 2013

Your Holiness,

On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I wish to convey my best wishes to you as you step down from the Pontificate of the Catholic Church.

The ties between Singapore and the Holy See have strengthened under your wise leadership. We have worked well together to advance equity and development, and promote peace and religious harmony. Your decision to appoint an Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore in 2010 marked a significant milestone in our bilateral relations, and clearly signalled the Holy See’s desire to deepen its engagement with Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Throughout your papacy, you worked tirelessly to extend the Catholic Church’s outreach to Catholics and non-Catholics, using traditional and new media platforms to disseminate your teachings. You dealt with the challenges during your tenure with leadership and resolve. Your decision to step down from the Apostolic Seat reflects your humility and grace. I am sure that your love for the Church will continue to inspire many around the world.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Please accept, Your Holiness, the assurances of my highest consideration.

LEE HSIEN LOONG

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
The Holy See