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Shanghai prepares for impact as typhoon Bebinca approaches

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Shanghai prepares for impact as typhoon Bebinca approaches

SHANGHAI/BEIJING. Shanghai is on high alert as Typhoon Bebinca, potentially the strongest tropical cyclone to strike the city since 1949, approaches its eastern coast. The city has halted transportation, recalled ships, and temporarily closed major tourism sites, including Shanghai Disney Resort, as part of its emergency preparations.

As of 5:00 p.m. (0900 GMT) yesterday, Typhoon Bebinca, a Category 1 storm, was approximately 400 km southeast of Shanghai. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds near its center of 144 kph (89 mph) and is expected to make landfall after midnight on Monday. China’s Meteorological Administration has issued a typhoon red alert, cautioning residents in eastern China of strong gales and heavy rainfall.

Shanghai’s last significant storm was Typhoon Gloria in 1949, which brought similar wind speeds of 144 kph when it tore through the city. More recently, in 2022, Typhoon Muifa posed a threat to the city but landed 300 km away in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province. Unlike other areas in southern China that are more frequently hit by stronger storms, Shanghai has largely avoided direct strikes by powerful typhoons in recent years.

However, with Bebinca’s arrival, authorities are leaving no room for complacency. All flights at Shanghai’s two major airports will be canceled from 8 p.m. on Sunday, according to Shanghai Airport (Group) Co. Further adjustments will be made based on the storm’s impact. Additionally, Shanghai Railway Station has suspended some services, and the Shenzhen government announced halts to train services to and from Shanghai.

Tourism sites, including Shanghai Disney Resort, Jinjiang Amusement Park, and Shanghai Wild Animal Park, have also closed temporarily, while most ferry services to Chongming Island, known as “the gateway to the Yangtze River,” have been suspended. In neighboring Zhejiang province, ships have been recalled to safety, and several parks in the provincial capital, Hangzhou, have been closed.

Typhoon Bebinca’s arrival coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a significant three-day national holiday when many Chinese families engage in outdoor activities or travel. Authorities are urging caution and vigilance during this period of celebration.

China’s Ministry of Water Resources has also issued a Level-IV emergency response, the lowest level in the country’s four-tier emergency system, for potential flooding in Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui.

Shanghai continues to brace itself for Bebinca’s impact, with residents and authorities on standby as the storm draws closer.

Estudyante patay matapos barilin ng sekyu sa alitan sa Laguna

Roy Tomandao
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Estudyante patay matapos barilin ng sekyu sa alitan sa Laguna

STA. ROSA CITY, Laguna. Patay ang isang 17-anyos na estudyante matapos barilin ng isang security guard sa Nia Road, Barangay Dila, lungsod na ito, nitong Biyernes ng umaga.

Kinilala ang biktima na si JM Bagadiong Dongao, residente ng Southville 4, Barangay Pook, Sta. Rosa City.

Ayon sa ulat ng pulisya, bandang 9:30 ng umaga nang magkaroon ng mainitang pagtatalo sa pagitan ni Dongao at ng security guard na si alyas “Andrew,” na naka-assign sa construction site ng isang railway project. Ang dahilan ng alitan ay ang diumano ay madalas na pagtawid ng estudyante sa lugar na ginagawang riles ng tren.

Sa gitna ng kanilang pagtatalo, nalaglag sa putik ang cellphone ng guwardiya at sinipa pa ito ng biktima, na lalong ikinagalit ng suspek. Dahil dito, bumunot ng baril si alyas Andrew at binaril si Dongao, na agarang ikinasawi ng teenager.

Agad namang tumakas ang suspek matapos ang insidente, at kasalukuyang pinaghahanap ng mga awtoridad upang panagutin sa krimen.

Missile fired by Yemen’s Houthis lands in Israel, triggers airport sirens: Israel hints at retaliation

Venus L Peñaflor
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Missile fired by Yemen’s Houthis lands in Israel, triggers airport sirens: Israel hints at retaliation

JERUSALEM. A missile fired by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels landed in central Israel early Sunday, prompting air raid sirens at Ben Gurion International Airport. The rocket, which exploded in an open area, caused no reported casualties or significant damage, though footage aired by Israeli media showed passengers running for shelter at the airport.

Normal operations resumed shortly after the sirens sounded, but a fire broke out in a rural area nearby. Local news outlets displayed images of what appeared to be missile fragments, including one that fell on an escalator in a train station in Modiin, a central town.

The Israeli military reported that multiple attempts were made to intercept the missile using the country’s advanced air defense systems. It remains unclear whether any of the interceptors succeeded, as the missile seemed to have fragmented in midair. The sound of explosions heard in the area was attributed to the interception efforts.

This missile attack is part of a broader pattern, as the Houthis have repeatedly targeted Israel with drones and missiles since the start of the war in Gaza. However, nearly all previous missile attempts have been intercepted before reaching Israel’s borders, usually over the Red Sea. In July, a Houthi-launched, Iranian-made drone struck Tel Aviv, killing one person and wounding 10 others. Israel responded with airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including the strategic port city of Hodeidah.

Following Sunday’s attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that a retaliatory military response could be forthcoming. “The Houthis should have known by now that we exact a heavy price for any attempt to harm us,” Netanyahu remarked during a Cabinet meeting. “Anyone who needs a reminder is invited to visit the port of Hodeidah.”

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a spokesperson for the Houthi rebels, confirmed that the missile targeted “a military site” in the vicinity of Tel Aviv. The Houthis have also been involved in attacking commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, portraying the assaults as part of a blockade on Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians. Most of the vessels targeted in these attacks have had no direct ties to Israel.

On Sunday, the European Union’s naval mission, Operation Aspides, reported that salvage operations had commenced to tow a Greek-flagged tanker, the Sounion, which had been burning for weeks following a Houthi attack in the Red Sea.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, sparked by Hamas’ incursion into southern Israel on October 7, has had far-reaching consequences, leading to broader regional tensions. Iran and its network of militant allies—including the Houthis, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and Hamas—have been attacking Israeli and U.S. targets, provoking retaliatory strikes from Israel and its Western allies. These escalations have raised concerns about the possibility of a wider war in the Middle East.

Flights into and out of Israel have been canceled multiple times since the war began, reflecting the economic strain the conflict has placed on the country. Iran, which provides substantial support to Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah, has publicly declared its backing for these groups, framing their actions as solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Pope Francis expresses hope for church’s future in China, calling Beijing a “promise”

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope Francis expresses hope for church’s future in China, calling Beijing a “promise”

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE. Pope Francis praised China as a “promise and hope” for the Catholic Church on Friday, expressing his optimism about ongoing relations between the Vatican and Beijing. His comments came during a press conference aboard the papal plane, returning from a four-nation tour in Asia.

The Pope’s remarks coincided with the Vatican’s ongoing negotiations with China to renew a 2018 agreement concerning the appointment of bishops. Despite challenges, Francis expressed satisfaction with the dialogue: “I’m happy with the dialogue with China. The result is good,” he said, emphasizing the goodwill on both sides.

Speaking about his long-held desire to visit China, Francis called the country “a great nation” and added, “I admire China. I respect China. It’s a country with a millennial culture, with a capacity for dialogue and understanding that goes beyond other systems of democracy.”

Since the Communist Party’s rise to power over seven decades ago, relations between the Vatican and China had been strained. One of the most contentious issues is the appointment of bishops, with China insisting on its sovereignty in choosing church leaders while the Vatican upholds the Pope’s authority in appointing successors of the Apostles.

The 2018 deal attempted to find a compromise but has faced criticism. While acknowledging some setbacks, the Vatican described it as a necessary agreement. The accord was signed at a time when China was increasing restrictions on religious practices, especially Christianity and Islam, which the government views as foreign influences that could challenge its authority.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Pope Francis reiterated his belief in the future of the Church in China: “I think China is a promise and a hope for the church,” he stated.

Pope Francis Criticizes U.S. Presidential Candidates Over Abortion and Migration Policies

Pope Francis sharply criticized both U.S. presidential candidates on Friday for their stances on key issues concerning the Catholic Church, particularly abortion and migration. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane on his return from a four-nation tour through Asia, Francis urged American Catholics to vote for the “lesser evil” in the upcoming elections.

“Both are against life, be it the one who kicks out migrants or be it the one who kills babies,” Francis declared, though he refrained from mentioning the candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, by name. The Pope has long championed the rights of migrants and strongly upholds the Church’s stance against abortion.

On the issue of abortion, Francis was unequivocal: “To have an abortion is to kill a human being. You may like the word or not, but it’s killing,” he said. He urged voters to exercise their civic duty responsibly, remarking, “One should vote and choose the lesser evil.”

The Pope’s remarks came as both the Trump and Harris campaigns were under fire for their respective policies on these sensitive topics. Trump has been criticized for his hardline stance on immigration, which includes pledges of mass deportations. Meanwhile, Harris, along with President Joe Biden, has advocated for the reinstatement of federal abortion rights, drawing criticism from Catholic leaders.

When questioned about the dilemma Catholic voters face, Francis said, “Everyone in their conscience should think and do it.”

The U.S. bishops conference has emphasized abortion as a top priority for Catholic voters, placing them at odds with Biden, a practicing Catholic, who supports abortion rights. Despite this, Biden’s meeting with Pope Francis in 2021 reportedly ended on good terms, with Biden quoting the Pope as saying he was a “good Catholic.”

Francis also recalled his previous criticisms of Trump’s border wall, once stating that anyone who builds walls to exclude others “is not Christian.” On Friday, he reflected on his experience celebrating Mass at the U.S.-Mexico border, saying, “There were so many shoes of the migrants who ended up badly there.”

In closing, the Pope reiterated the Church’s stance on abortion, firmly stating: “Performing an abortion is killing a human being. Whether you like the word or not, this is killing. The Church does not allow abortion because it’s killing. It is murder.”

PNP nagsagawa ng manhunt operation laban kay Harry Roque; P1 bilyong suhol ni Alice Guo, iniimbestigahan

Arman B. Cambe
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PNP nagsagawa ng manhunt operation laban kay Harry Roque; P1 bilyong suhol ni Alice Guo, iniimbestigahan

MAYNILA. Naglunsad na ng manhunt operation ang mga operatiba ng Philippine National Police (PNP) laban kay dating Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque matapos itong ideklarang pugante ng Quad Committee ng Kamara.

Ayon kay Santa Rosa City Representative Dan Fernandez, co-chair ng Quad Committee, “The PNP is now fully engaged in the manhunt for Atty. Harry Roque and we are coordinating closely with the National Capital Region Police Office and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to ensure his swift apprehension.”

Si Roque ay muling pinatawan ng contempt noong Huwebes matapos hindi sumipot sa pagdinig kaugnay sa mga iligal na operasyon ng Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) sa bansa. Isinilbi na ang subpoena at arrest order sa tanggapan ni Roque sa Makati City, subalit hindi ito natagpuan. Huli umano siyang nakita sa Antel Corporation Centre sa Makati.

Pinaghihinalaan ng mga awtoridad na nagtatago si Roque habang patuloy na lumalabas ang kanyang umano’y koneksyon sa Lucky South 99, isang POGO hub sa Porac, Pampanga, kung saan nakumpiska ang malaking halaga ng droga matapos ang raid ng mga awtoridad.

Bukod dito, hinihingi ng Quad Committee kay Roque ang mga dokumento tulad ng kanyang Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), rekord ng Biancham Holdings na pag-aari ng kanyang pamilya, at mga papeles kaugnay sa pagbebenta ng lupain sa Parañaque City.

Kinuwestiyon din ni Batangas Representative Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro ang biglaang paglaki ng investment ni Roque na umabot sa P67 milyon sa loob lamang ng ilang buwan, gayong P3 milyon lamang ang nauna niyang puhunan, at ang lupain sa Parañaque ay nabenta sa halagang P7 milyon.

P1 Bilyong Suhol ni Alice Guo, Iniimbestigahan na ng DOJ

MANILA, Pilipinas — Iniimbestigahan na ng Department of Justice (DOJ) ang napaulat na P1 bilyong suhol na inialok umano ni Alice Guo, dating mayor ng Bamban, Tarlac, sa isang negosyanteng Filipino-Chinese para tulungan siyang maayos ang kanyang mga legal na problema sa bansa, ayon kay Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Ang pahayag na ito ay kaugnay ng pagbubunyag ni dating senador Panfilo Lacson na nilapitan umano ni Guo ang isang kaibigan niya na may direktang kontak sa First Family bago ito lumabas ng bansa.

“We are waiting for the result of the investigations being done on her background. We are already pursuing what senator Lacson said. We’re aware that there’s more to it than meets the eye,” ani Remulla.

Dagdag pa ni Remulla, naniniwala siyang hindi simpleng tao si Guo, kundi isang “extremely talented” at may malalim na estratehiya. “Her game runs deep. Her game is very sophisticated,” ani Remulla, na nagpapahiwatig na bilyun-bilyong piso na ang maaaring gumagalaw para mailigtas si Guo sa mga kinakaharap niyang kaso.

Noong Biyernes, inaprubahan ng mga piskal ng DOJ ang paghahain ng kasong qualified human trafficking laban kay Guo at ilan pang mga kasamahan nito, batay sa reklamo ng Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

DOH nagbabala sa ‘Imported’ na mpox vaccines, publiko pinayuhang maging maingat

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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DOH nagbabala sa ‘Imported’ na mpox vaccines, publiko pinayuhang maging maingat

MAYNILA. Nagbigay ng babala ang Department of Health (DOH) laban sa mga “imported” na bakuna laban sa monkeypox o mpox na posibleng ibinebenta na sa bansa. Ayon sa DOH, nakatanggap sila ng ulat tungkol sa mga indibidwal o organisasyon na nag-aalok ng mga bakunang ito, na diumano ay galing sa ibang bansa.

Pinayuhan ng DOH ang publiko na maging maingat sa pagbili ng mga ganitong bakuna. “They have been brought into the country without the careful attention of regulatory agencies like the DOH and its Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” ayon sa kanilang public health advisory.

Dagdag pa ng DOH, ang mga bakuna sa mpox ay nangangailangan ng maayos na paghawak at pag-iimbak upang masiguro ang kaligtasan at bisa nito. Kung hindi nasunod ang tamang proseso, maaaring mawalan ng bisa ang mga ito.

Samantala, iniulat ng DOH ang pagtaas ng aktibong kaso ng mpox sa bansa na umabot na sa 15 matapos magpositibo ang isang indibidwal noong Miyerkules. Lahat ng kumpirmadong kaso ay nahawahan ng Clade II strain, na mas banayad kumpara sa Clade Ib na kumakalat sa ilang bahagi ng Africa.

Bilang pag-iingat, nagbigay ng mga paalala ang mga health expert sa publiko:

  • Iwasan ang close at intimate, skin-to-skin contact sa mga taong maaaring may mpox.
  • Sumunod sa wastong mga hakbang sa pag-iwas at paggamit ng tamang protective gear kung kailangan makipag-ugnayan sa mga taong may mpox.
  • Ugaliing maghugas ng kamay gamit ang alcohol-based sanitizer o sabon at tubig.
  • Siguraduhing nililinis at nadidisimpekta ang mga gamit at lugar na maaaring kontaminado ng virus.
  • Iwasan ang pakikisalamuha sa mga hayop, lalo na sa mga posibleng carrier ng virus.

Nagpaalala rin ang DOH na huwag tangkilikin ang hindi rehistradong mga bakuna at magtiwala lamang sa mga awtorisadong institusyon para sa wastong impormasyon at proteksyon laban sa mpox.

Funeral held for Turkish-American activist killed in West Bank

Venus L Peñaflor
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Funeral held for Turkish-American activist killed in West Bank

DIDIM, Turkey. Hundreds gathered in the coastal city of Didim on Saturday for the funeral of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist who was fatally shot in the Israeli-occupied West Bank during a protest against settlement expansion. Attendees waved Turkish and Palestinian flags as a guard of honor carried her coffin, draped in the Turkish flag.

High-ranking Turkish officials attended the solemn ceremony, including Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus, and opposition leader Ozgur Ozel. Parliament Speaker Kurtulmus passionately addressed the mourners, stating, “The blood of Ayşenur Eygi is as sacred as that of every Palestinian martyred, and we will follow it until the end. As the Turkish nation, we are fully committed. As a state, we are fully committed.”

Eygi was killed on September 6 while participating in a protest against Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank. The Israeli military has acknowledged that its troops shot the activist, though it claimed the shooting was accidental during what they described as a demonstration that turned violent. However, Kurtulmus disputed this, saying, “She was directly targeted and shot behind her left ear. May God have mercy on her, and may her soul rest in paradise.”

Turkey has vowed to seek justice, with officials pledging to hold those responsible accountable in international courts. “We will ensure this case is pursued until the end,” said Kurtulmus. “We will hold them accountable in all international courts. Yesterday, we completed all autopsies by international standards.”

The Turkish government also stated that it would request international arrest warrants for those responsible, labeling Eygi’s death an intentional killing. Ankara’s firm stance is echoed by U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who, on Wednesday, condemned the killing as “unacceptable” and called on Israel to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Prayers for Eygi were held in cities across Turkey, including Istanbul and Ankara, as the nation mourns her loss and rallies behind her cause.

Film Review: Time-travel and sweetness collide in ‘My Old Ass’

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Film Review: Time-travel and sweetness collide in ‘My Old Ass’

In Megan Park’s new film My Old Ass, a psychedelic mushroom trip sets the stage for a whimsical, time-bending coming-of-age tale. Elliott, an 18-year-old restless teen from Canada, finds herself face-to-face with an unexpected visitor—her future self, a 39-year-old version who drops in during an unusually high campfire moment. “Dude, I’m you,” the older Elliott casually announces, launching into a mix of nostalgia and life lessons that form the heart of this comedic yet touching film.

After proving her identity through shared childhood memories, a scar, and even body quirks, the older Elliott begins imparting advice to her younger self. Among her sage wisdom: be kind to your family and steer clear of a guy named Chad. “Can we hug?” the older Elliott asks, sealing the bizarre encounter with an embrace, followed by an even more awkward request for a kiss from the younger Elliott—just to know what it’s like to kiss herself.

This quirky device is the foundation of My Old Ass, which director-writer Megan Park uses to explore the complexities of self-reflection and growth. While the premise is promising, the execution feels uneven, though Park ultimately manages to stick the landing.

One notable drawback is that the two actresses playing Elliott—Maisy Stella as the younger version and Aubrey Plaza as the older—don’t resemble each other much, which can be distracting. Despite the visual disconnect, both deliver strong performances that help carry the film.

The story unfolds as young Elliott prepares to leave her small hometown in Muskoka Lakes, longing to escape life on a cranberry farm for college in Toronto. Meanwhile, she takes her older self’s advice to mend her strained relationships with her siblings—an older brother obsessed with golf and a younger brother fixated on actress Saoirse Ronan. Park excels in capturing the dynamics between siblings, with dialogue and scenes that feel genuine and unrushed.

But then there’s Chad. Sweet, thoughtful, goofy, and seemingly perfect for Elliott, Chad (played charmingly by Percy Hynes White) is at the center of the film’s mystery. Why does the older Elliott insist that her younger self stay away from him? The film raises this question as young Elliott grapples with her conflicting feelings about the relationship.

My Old Ass is ultimately two films in one: a poignant coming-of-age story and a time-travel comedy. The tonal shifts between the zany interactions with the older Elliott and the more heartfelt moments with family and Chad threaten to tear the movie in different directions. However, Park deftly navigates these contrasting elements, particularly excelling in moments that explore life’s transitions—those bittersweet experiences that shape who we become.

A standout scene, fueled by a psychedelic dream sequence, features a Justin Bieber concert, injecting humor into the film while highlighting Park’s ability to blend whimsy with deeper emotions. The film also touches on profound themes about fleeting moments, with beautiful lines from both Chad and Elliott’s mother (portrayed by Maria Dizzia) that emphasize how small shifts in life can leave lasting impacts.

In the end, the film’s resolution is satisfying, if not entirely surprising. The younger Elliott offers wise advice to her older self, flipping the script in a heartfelt conclusion. While Chad nearly derails the story at times, Park keeps the focus where it belongs—on Elliott’s journey of self-discovery. Watching her literally and metaphorically steer her own boat by the end is a rewarding payoff for viewers.

My Old Ass, released by Amazon MGM Studios, opens in theaters in New York and Los Angeles this Friday and will expand nationwide on September 27. The film is rated R for language, drug use, and sexual content, with a runtime of 89 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

Pangulong Marcos: Sagot ng goberyno ang bayarin ng mga pasyenteng naka-confine sa pampublikong ospital

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pangulong Marcos: Sagot ng goberyno ang bayarin ng mga pasyenteng naka-confine sa pampublikong ospital

MAYNILA. Ipinahayag ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na sasagutin ng gobyerno ang bayarin ng mga pasyenteng naka-confine at sumasailalim sa gamutan sa mga pampublikong ospital. Ang anunsyo ay ginawa sa paglulunsad ng “Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program” sa Guimba, Nueva Ecija.

Bilang bahagi ng kanyang ika-67 kaarawan, inihandog ni Pangulong Marcos ang programa na tinawag na “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat,” na may layuning mapagaan ang pasanin ng mga Filipino, lalo na sa mga gastusin sa ospital.

“Kaya po sa araw na ito, sasagutin po natin ang lahat ng bayarin ng mga pasyente sa lahat ng pampublikong Level 3 hospital sa bansa katulad ng Dr. Paulino Garcia Memorial Hospital dito sa inyo,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos.

Upang matiyak ang implementasyon ng nasabing programa, maglalaan ang Department of Health (DOH) ng P328 milyon para sa 22 tertiary hospitals sa buong bansa upang tugunan ang pangangailangang medikal ng mga pasyente.

Ang mga ospital na tatanggap ng pondo ay kinabibilangan ng:

  • Metro Manila: Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Philippine Orthopedic Center, Philippine Heart Center, at iba pa
  • Luzon: Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Cagayan Valley Medical Center, at iba pa
  • Visayas: Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital, Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, at iba pa
  • Mindanao: Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Davao Regional Medical Center, at iba pa

Ang programang ito ay bahagi ng sabayang distribusyon ng tulong ng gobyerno sa 82 lalawigan ng bansa katuwang ang iba’t ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan.

Ang proyektong ito ay malaking hakbang upang masigurado ang serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa lahat, lalo na sa mga pinaka-nangangailangan.

Pope Francis concludes Asia tour with a call for interfaith dialogue in Singapore

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope Francis concludes Asia tour with a call for interfaith dialogue in Singapore

SINGAPORE. Pope Francis concluded his four-nation Asia tour on Friday with a powerful message of interfaith tolerance, urging the people of Singapore and the world to foster understanding and dialogue among different religions. His visit to the city-state, known for its religious diversity, echoed the same sentiments he expressed at the start of his journey: that tolerance and collaboration between faiths are essential to healing a troubled world.

During his final event in Singapore, Francis presided over a gathering of young people representing the many religious traditions present in the country. In Singapore, mosques, Buddhist temples, and Christian churches stand side by side amidst the city’s iconic skyscrapers, symbolizing its long tradition of religious coexistence.

In an unscripted moment, the Pope set aside his prepared remarks and encouraged the youth to take risks in their lives, even if it meant making mistakes. He then returned to his central theme of interfaith tolerance, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue between different faiths, rather than insisting on the superiority of one’s own beliefs.

“All religions are a path to arrive at God,” the Pope told the crowd. “They are like different languages to arrive there. But God is God for all.”

This closing message mirrored the Pope’s broader appeal for global unity through tolerance, a recurring theme throughout his 11-day journey across Southeast Asia. His trip took him to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor before arriving in Singapore, covering a total of 32,814 kilometers (20,390 miles) — the longest trip of his pontificate, and one of the farthest papal journeys ever undertaken.

While in Singapore, Francis highlighted the country’s tradition of interfaith harmony and praised its impressive economic development. He particularly focused on encouraging the Catholic population, which makes up about 3.5% of the nearly 6 million residents. Singapore’s population is religiously diverse: 31% identify as Buddhists, 19% as Christians, 15% as Muslims, while about a fifth claim no religious belief, according to the 2020 census.

Francis also made a public appeal during his stay for the fair treatment of Singapore’s immigrant workers, urging that they be treated with dignity and receive a fair wage. His remarks were overwhelmingly positive, with the pontiff avoiding any mention of controversial issues, including Singapore’s use of capital punishment. Although Francis has previously condemned the death penalty as “inadmissible” in all circumstances, he refrained from raising the issue publicly during his stay, perhaps out of deference to his hosts.

The Pope’s visit to Singapore, his first as the head of the Catholic Church, is believed to have been closely watched by neighboring China, where the Vatican has been working to improve diplomatic relations. Francis has long championed interfaith dialogue as a key component of his vision for global peace and unity, and his call for religious tolerance in Singapore marks the final chapter in one of the longest and most significant trips of his pontificate.

As Francis boarded the Singapore Airlines flight back to Rome—a 12-hour, 35-minute journey—he wrapped up not only his tour of Asia but also one of the longest papal voyages in modern history. Only some of the travels of St. John Paul II in the 1980s exceeded the distance and duration of this trip.

Pope Francis’ message was clear throughout his journey: religious coexistence and interfaith dialogue are essential to creating a more peaceful and just world.

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