In city-state of skyscrapers, Pope praises a 'love that builds up'

Only around a third of Singapore's practicing Catholic population was able to attend the papal Mass due to seating restrictions at the stadium, which has a capacity of only 50,000. On the other hand, there were rougly 100 priests from nearby Vietnam on hand to concelebrate with the pontiff.

In his homily, Pope Francis said some people might think it is "naïve" to say that "nothing lasting is born or grows without love," and that the growth of a successful society is due to families and individuals who make extraordinary sacrifices out of love.

However, the proof is in the city itself, he said, saying, "behind each of the works in front of us there are many stories of love to be discovered," in communities and parents who provide for their families, and in the professionals and workers who are "sincerely engaged" in their various tasks.

"Sometimes the greatness and grandeur of our projects can make us forget this, and fool us into thinking that we can be the sole authors of our lives, of our wealth, our wellbeing, our happiness," he said, but said that "ultimately, life brings us back to one reality: without love we are nothing,"

Faith is the source of this love, he said, because God loved the world enough to sacrifice his only son to free and redeem humanity, and therefore, "It is in Christ that all that we are and can become have their origin and fulfilment."

Beyond the masterpieces of architecture and innovation characteristic of Singapore, Pope Francis said the most beautiful aspects of society are "the brothers and sisters we meet, without discrimination, every day on our path, as we see in Singaporean society and the Church, which are ethnically diverse and yet united and in solidarity!"

Genuine charity, the pope said, is capable of respecting the vulnerable and weak, capable of accompanying those looking for direction in life, and it is also "generous and kind in forgiving beyond all calculation and measure."

To this end, he pointed to the Virgin Mary, who "has given hope to so many people by her support and presence, which she continues to do," and to Saint Francis Xavier, "who found hospitality here many times during his missionary journeys."

Pope Francis closed urging Catholics in Singapore to make "a constant commitment to listening and responding readily to the invitations to love and live justly that continue to come to us today from the infinite love of God."