Edwin Tong represents S'pore at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration in Vatican City

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong is in Vatican City to represent Singapore at the Pope Leo XIV's inauguration on May 18.

In a Facebook post on May 18, Tong shared that he had also met with Vatican's State Secretary Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Tong is being accompanied by his wife and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

Exchanged views on "multi-lateralism, rule of law and constant open dialogue"

In his post, Tong shared reflections on his previous visit to the Vatican in 2022, during which he met with then-Pope Francis and discussed the possibility of a papal visit to Singapore — a historic event that came to fruition in September 2024.

He also described Pope Francis' tenure as a "profound chapter" in Vatican-Singapore ties, characterised by mutual respect, deepened dialogue, and shared values.

Tong began his current visit with a meeting with Cardinal Parolin.

"Cardinal Parolin has played a central role in guiding the Vatican's diplomatic outreach with wisdom and clarity, and continues to advance the Church's mission of peace and reconciliation across diverse communities," Tong wrote.

He added that the pair exchanged views on the need for multilateralism, rule of law and constant open dialogue.

In the evening, Tong took time to explore the Vatican and observed final preparations at St. Peter's Square ahead of the Pope's official inauguration Mass.