Pope Francis, while returning from his Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania, discussed the ongoing civilian tragedy in Gaza, where over 41,000 victims have been reported. He emphasized the need for global peace efforts, expressed his views on the US elections, condemning both abortion and the rejection of migrants, and offered a positive perspective on relations with China, describing it as a "promise and a hope for the Church." The Pope addressed various other issues including climate change, sectarianism, and sexual abuse in the Church.

**Pei Ting Wong (The Straits Times):**
Pope Francis, I'm very happy… I hope you enjoyed your visit to Singapore and perhaps tried the local food. What did you observe of Singapore’s culture and people? Were you surprised by anything? What can Singapore learn from the other three countries we visited? Specifically, your message about fair wages for low-paid migrants resonated with many Singaporeans. What inspired that message, and what are your thoughts on it? Lastly, you said Singapore has a special role on the international stage. What can Singapore do in a world at war, and how can the Vatican contribute diplomatically?

**Pope Francis:**
Thank you. First of all, I didn’t expect to find Singapore as it is. They call it the “New York of the East,” a developed, clean country with polite people, tall skyscrapers, and a great religious culture. The interreligious meeting I had was a model of fraternity. Regarding migrants, I saw luxurious skyscrapers, and then others that, while not as grand, were still clean and well-maintained, which I appreciated. I didn’t feel there was discrimination. I was struck by the culture, particularly with the students. For example, the last day I was struck by that culture.

And then Singapore’s international role. Well, I saw that next week there’s a Formula 1 race. The international role of a capital that attracts different cultures; it is a great capital. I didn’t expect to find something like that.

**Q:** What did you learn?

You know, there’s always something to learn, because every person and country have different riches. That’s why fraternity in communication is so important. For example, in Timor-Leste, I saw many children, but in Singapore, not so many. Perhaps that’s something to learn… The future lies with children; consider this. Ah, one other thing: you residents of Singapore are very friendly—always smiling!

**Delfim De Oliveira (GMN TV):**

At the end of the Mass in Taci Tolu, you drew attention to the presence of crocodiles. What did you mean by that?

**Pope Francis:**
I used the image of crocodiles coming ashore. Timor-Leste has a simple, joyful family culture. There are many children, so many! When I spoke of crocodiles, I was referring to ideas from outside that could ruin the harmony you have. Let me tell you this: I’ve fallen in love with Timor-Leste. Anything else?

**Q:** In Timor-Leste, Catholics are the majority, but there is a growth of sects. Did the term "crocodiles" also refer to them?

**Pope Francis:**
It’s possible; I’m not speaking about that—I can’t—but it’s possible. Because all religions must be respected, but there is a distinction between religion and sect. Religion is universal, whatever it may be. A sect is restrictive; it's a small group that always has a different agenda. Thank you, and my compliments to your country!

**Francisca Christy Rosana (Tempo Media Group):**
Thank you, Pope Francis. People in Indonesia, not just Catholics, have been eagerly awaiting your visit for a long time. My questions are these: Did you know the country still struggles with its democracy? How do you see this, and what is your message for us? Also, Indonesia faces issues like Papua New Guinea, where extractive industries benefit only oligarchs while local and indigenous populations receive no benefit. What are your thoughts, and what can we do?

**Pope Francis:**
This is a common problem in developing nations. That’s why it’s important, as the Church’s Social Doctrine says, to ensure communication between different sectors of society. You said Indonesia is a developing country, and one area that perhaps needs development is the social relationship. I enjoyed my visit; it was beautiful!

**Matteo Bruni (Vatican Press Office):**
Your Holiness, the press from Papua New Guinea followed your journey closely, but unfortunately, they couldn’t send a journalist on the flight. I’d like to ask if there’s anything you want to share about Papua New Guinea, especially Vanimo, which seems to be a place you personally wanted to visit.

**Pope Francis:**
I liked the country and saw a strong, developing nation. I wanted to go to Vanimo to meet a group of priests and nuns from Argentina who work there, and I saw a very beautiful organization. In all the countries, art is highly developed: dance and poetic expression… But the artistic expression in Papua New Guinea, and in Vanimo, was impressive. This impressed me deeply. The missionaries go deep into the forest to work. I liked Vanimo and the country as a whole.

**Stefania Falasca (Tianouzhiku):**
Good evening, Holy Father. We’ve just come from Singapore, where the population is predominantly Chinese, and it’s a model of peaceful coexistence. Regarding peace, I’d like to know your thoughts, especially given Singapore’s proximity to mainland China, on China’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire in conflict regions like Gaza. In July, the Beijing Declaration was signed to end Palestinian divisions. Could there be areas of cooperation on peace between China and the Holy See? And lastly, we’re approaching the renewal of the agreement between China and the Holy See on the appointment of bishops. Are you satisfied with the results and dialogue so far?

**Pope Francis:**
Regarding the last point, yes, I’m pleased with the dialogues with China. The results are good. Even for the appointment of bishops, things are progressing with goodwill. I’ve spoken with the Secretariat of State, and I’m happy with how things are going. As for China, I see China as an “ilusión” (aspiration, ed.), meaning I would like to visit China. It’s a great country, and I admire and respect China.

It’s a country with an ancient culture, a capacity for dialogue to understand each other that goes beyond the different systems of government it has had. I believe China is a promise and a hope for the Church. Collaboration is possible, and certainly for conflicts. Cardinal Zuppi is working in this area, and he has contacts with China.

**Anna Matranga (CBS News):**
Your Holiness, you have always spoken in defense of the dignity of life. In Timor-Leste, which has a high birth rate, you said you felt life pulsing and exploding with so many children. In Singapore, you defended migrant workers. With the US elections coming up, what advice would you give a Catholic voter faced with a candidate who supports ending a pregnancy and another who wants to deport 11 million migrants?

**Pope Francis:**
Both are against life: the one that throws out migrants and the one that kills children. Both are against life. I can’t decide; I’m not American and won’t go to vote there. But let it be clear: denying migrants the ability to work and receive hospitality is a sin, a grave sin. The Old Testament speaks repeatedly of the orphan, the widow, and the stranger—migrants. These are the three that Israel must care for. Failing to care for migrants is a sin, a sin against life and humanity.

I celebrated Mass at the border, near the diocese of El Paso. There were many shoes from migrants, who ended poorly there. Today, there is a flow of migration within Central America, and many times they are treated like slaves because people take advantage of the situation. Migration is a right, and it was already present in Sacred Scripture and in the Old Testament. The stranger, the orphan, and the widow—do not forget this.

Then, abortion. Science says that at one month after conception, all the organs of a human being are present. Everything. Having an abortion is killing a human being. Whether you like the word or not, it’s murder. The Church is not closed-minded because it forbids abortion; the Church forbids abortion because it kills. It is murder; it is murder!

And we need to be clear about this: sending migrants away, not allowing them to grow, not letting them have life is something wrong, it is cruelty. Sending a child away from the womb of the mother is murder because there is life. And we must speak clearly about these things. “No, but however...” No “but however.” Both things are clear. The orphan, the stranger, and the widow—do not forget this.

**Q:** In your opinion, Your Holiness, are there circumstances in which it is morally permissible to vote for a candidate who is in favor of abortion?

**Pope Francis:**
In political morality, it is generally said that not voting is ugly, it's not good. One must vote. And one must choose the lesser evil. Which is the lesser evil? That lady or that gentleman? I don’t know; each person must think and decide according to their own conscience.