Latest news with #WilliamGoh
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
‘A beautiful experience': Singapore Cardinal William Goh on being part of the conclave
Singaporean Cardinal William Goh was among the 133 cardinals who participated in the conclave to elect the new pope. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY SINGAPORE – Amid the cheering in St Peter's Square and excitement from Catholics across the world on May 8 , the election of a new pope also brought about another element: surprise. The newly elected Pope Leo XIV – or Cardinal Robert Prevost as he was known then – became the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Church. Within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel in Rome , where the election process known as the conclave took place, the surprise was not lost on Singaporean William Goh , who was one of the 133 cardinals who took part in the voting. 'He was not one of the well-known candidates for the papacy... and most of us did not know him except for those perhaps from Latin America or Rome,' said Cardinal Goh, referring to Pope Leo. But discussions about the pope's nationality do not matter, he said, as the pontiff's role is to be a symbol of unity and to serve the Church and everyone else. Cardinal Goh became the first Singaporean to vote for a new head of the Roman Catholic Church. Now back in Singapore, the 67-year-old archbishop described the experience as 'beautiful' during an interview with The Straits Times on June 4 . 'I went in without knowing exactly what I would be doing, and how this whole process would evolve,' he said. '(But) I went in with a great sense of responsibility that being one of the 133 electors, the person we chose to be next pope would have serious implications – not just for the Church, but for the world.' Although Pope Leo was elected in just two days, the preparation process that preceded the vote took nine days, when all 252 cardinals – both electors and non-electors – gathered to share with one another their views, concerns and challenges that each country faces. 'We come from all over the world; we have different views of what we think the new pope should do and can do, because we come from diverse circumstances,' said Cardinal Goh, adding that he felt this period was the most important part of the election process. 'But we are all agreeable that the pope must be one that can promote unity within the Church and peace among nations.' Informal interactions between the cardinals during breaks or at dinner allowed them to get to know one another better. 'We never had the chance to meet each other and to hear from one another, so it was a very beautiful moment, and for me, the most enriching part of the whole experience,' Cardinal Goh said. The 2025 conclave was a historic moment not just for Singapore, but also for Asia. There were 23 cardinals from the region present, reportedly the most in the history of the conclave, a process that dates back to the Middle Ages. 'In the past, most of the cardinals came from Europe. But the church has become too euro-centric, which is not the universal church today,' said Cardinal Goh, adding that Christianity has been growing in Asia and Africa. The religion has been declining in many parts of Europe, but there has been a revival of faith, especially within younger people in the region, he said. As such, the late Pope Francis' move to pick cardinals from across the world was important in helping the Church preserve its Catholicity, he added. The Argentinian pontiff, who died in April , was known for his humility and advocacy for the poor and marginalised. When deciding whom to vote for as the new pope, Cardinal Goh said he felt that the world today needed someone who would bring unity not just to the world, but also within the Church. 'But of course, unity doesn't mean uniformity,' he said, adding that unity also recognises diversity, which should be encouraged as long as it is consistent with scripture. 'It is in diversity that we really see the richness of the Church... the different cultures, liturgies, rites and ways of living out the pastoral mission in affluent countries, in poor countries, countries under oppression and discrimination.' Cardinal Goh posing for a picture near St Peter's Square at the Vatican on May 5, before the conclave began. PHOTO: REUTERS Unity should also involve clarity of doctrine, said Cardinal Goh, who cautioned against a form of inclusiveness that allows anyone to do whatever they want. 'The Church is not a clubhouse, where you can choose to swim, sing or play in the casino. The Church is where all of us are members of this body of Christ, (and) we believe in the gospel. We want to live out that teaching,' he said. 'Inclusivity means all are welcome... So long as you know that you are here not to change the gospel to suit your own preference, but that you will change your life to suit the gospel. That, for me, is inclusivity.' The conclave has long been the subject of much speculation and intrigue, due to the shroud of secrecy surrounding the voting process. But the death of Pope Francis also sparked strong interest in a different conclave – the Oscar-winning film starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci. Viewership of the movie reportedly spiked 283 per cent after the pope's death. Parts of the movie, such as the tight security, strict ban on bringing in any digital devices and meetings between the cardinals before the conclave to share their views, are true, said Cardinal Goh, who watched it at The Projector with his staff. But other parts are over-exaggerated, he added. Cardinals do not try to manipulate the situation, lobby one group against another or have secret meetings at night. He said that once the conclave began, the cardinals were busy with masses and voting rounds, adding that their day would start at around 8am and end at 9pm. 'We are too tired to be able to hold all these other meetings at night.' As the world was introduced to Pope Leo on May 8, Cardinal Goh stood alongside his fellow cardinals on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica while thousands cheered from below. Witnessing this was very inspiring, he said, adding that the response was 'one of deep faith, unity, support and joy'. Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appearing on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on May 8 to greet the thousands of faithful who had gathered. PHOTO: REUTERS In describing the new pontiff, Cardinal Goh said he found Pope Leo to be very prayerful and meditative. '(He) is someone who really wants to listen, learn and try to understand... He doesn't react suddenly and is a man who thinks through what he wants to say,' Cardinal Goh said. For non-Catholics who had followed the conclave, the cardinal said he hopes they can come to appreciate what the Church is doing for humanity, and that it welcomes everyone. 'We want to promote authentic life, respect for every human person, and respect for people of other religions and cultures,' he said. 'And we can work together in unity for the good of humanity.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
White smoke appears from Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating a new pope has been elected
People stand next to flags of (from left) Colombia, Mexico and Spain as they gather at St Peter's Square on the second day of the conclave in the Vatican on May 8. PHOTO: AFP A nun reacting after white smoke is seen coming from the Sistine Chapel, indicating that cardinals elected a new pope, on May 8. PHOTO: AFP People reacting as white smoke (not in picture), that signals the election of a new pope, rises from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican on May 8. PHOTO: AFP White smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope has been elected at the Vatican, on May 8. PHOTO: REUTERS White smoke rises from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, indicating that a new pope has been elected at the Vatican, on May 8. PHOTO: REUTERS - The world's 1.4 billion Catholics have a new leader after white smoke was seen billowing from a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel early on May 9 (Singapore time). The identity of the new pope will be revealed by the Vatican shortly. The Roman Catholic cardinals had, in the morning voting session on May 8, held two ballots, without electing the new pope. They began the secretive voting process, known as a conclave, on May 7. But the tens of thousands of people who had massed at the Vatican late that evening only saw a plume of black smoke rise up from the chapel's chimney, the signal that no one had secured a two-thirds majority in the conclave to succeed Pope Francis, who died on April 21 aged 88. White smoke signals a successful election. On May 8, the cardinals returned to the Sistine Chapel, resuming the voting for a successor to Francis in the largest and most geographically diverse conclave in history. A record 133 cardinals from 70 countries were involved in the ballot, up from 115 from 48 nations in the last conclave in 2013 - growth that reflects efforts by Francis, who was pontiff for 12 years, to extend the global reach of the Church. Among the 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 was Singaporean William Goh. Both Pope Francis and his predecessor Benedict XVI were elected within two days, but the longest papal election in Church history lasted 1,006 days, from 1268 to 1271. AFP, REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
AsiaOne
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Daily roundup: Burnt Ends in top 5 of World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants 2025 list, 3 other Singapore steakhouses make the cut — and other top stories today
Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. Burnt Ends in top 5 of World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants 2025 list, 3 other Singapore steakhouses make the cut Singapore's restaurants are no strangers to international accolades — having been featured on several prestigious lists and dining guides over the years such as Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, World's 50 Best Bars and La Liste's Top 1,000 Restaurants... » READ MORE 2. Singaporean William Goh among 133 cardinals worldwide choosing the new pope Cardinal William Goh is one of 133 cardinals from about 70 countries — and the first Singaporean — choosing the new pope in the papal election that starts on May 7 at the Vatican... » READ MORE 3. 'My wife told me I'm not as agile as before': Christopher Lee recalls Fann Wong's warning prior to bike trip with brother around Taiwan There are many risks that come with going abroad — let alone travelling across foreign land on a motorbike... » READ MORE 4. Isetan at Tampines Mall to shutter in November after almost 30 years For almost 30 years, Isetan stood as a familiar sight in Tampines Mall — but soon, there's going to be a change... » READ MORE editor@
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Singaporean William Goh is the first to have a shot at being the new Pope; Truck bursts into flames on PIE on evening of 7 May: Singapore live news
Singaporean William Goh is the first to have a shot at being the new Pope; Truck bursts into flames on PIE on evening of 7 May: Singapore live news Cardinal William Goh will be among those electing the next pope, and he'll also have a shot to fill the spot. He is the first Singaporean elevated to cardinal. (PHOTO: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images) Cardinal William Goh is among the 133 cardinals, from about 70 countries, who are responsible for choosing the new pope in the papal election that started on 7 May at the Vatican. Cardinal Goh, 67, who is the head of the Catholic Church in Singapore, also has a shot at becoming the next pope. A truck burst into flames on the PIE, near Bukit Timah, during peak-hour traffic on the evening of 7 May. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to the incident at 7.45pm. It occurred on the expressway towards Tuas, before Eng Neo Avenue exit. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
Associated Press
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Live updates: The conclave to elect the next pope is set to begin
Gathering behind the Vatican's medieval walls, 133 cardinals will attend a Mass on Wednesday morning and in the afternoon sequester themselves for the start of a conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. Update: Date: 2025-05-07 06:49:00 Title: What the cardinals have been discussing before the conclave Content: Cardinals wrapped up their final pre-conclave meeting Tuesday morning, trying to identify a possible new pope who could follow Pope Francis and make the 2,000-year-old Catholic Church credible and relevant today, especially to young people. The cardinals say the primary task facing them is finding a pope who can be both a pastor and a teacher, a bridge who can unite the church and preach peace. 'We need a superman!' said Cardinal William Seng Chye Goh, the 67-year-old archbishop of Singapore. It is indeed a tall task, given the sexual abuse and financial scandals that have harmed the church's reputation as well as the secularizing trends in many parts of the world that are turning people away from organized religion. Add to that the Holy See's dire financial state and often dysfunctional bureaucracy, and the job of being pope in the 21st century seems almost impossible. There is an element of uncertainty about the election since many of the cardinals didn't know one another before last week. Update: Date: 2025-05-07 06:32:00 Title: How exactly does the voting process work? Content: The electors cast paper ballots, and voting continues until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. After two rounds of voting, ballots are burned in a special stove — black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke means a new pope has been chosen. The last few popes have been elected within a few days, but there is no formal deadline. Electors must be under 80, and are more geographically diverse than ever. They represent Catholicism's growing presence in Africa, Asia and Latin America, as well as its traditional power base in Europe. Update: Date: 2025-05-07 06:16:00 Title: Today's schedule Content: Update: Date: 2025-05-07 06:11:00 Title: Ask AP reporters your conclave-related questions Content: Update: Date: 2025-05-07 06:01:00 Title: Cardinals to begin the solemn and secret voting ritual to elect a new pope Content: With all the pomp, drama and solemnity that the Catholic Church can muster, 133 cardinals on Wednesday begin the secretive, centuries-old ritual to elect a successor to Pope Francis, opening the most geographically diverse conclave in the faith's 2,000-year history. The cardinals, from 70 countries, will be sequestered from the outside world, their cellphones surrendered and airwaves around the Vatican jammed to prevent them from all communications until they find a new leader for the 1.4 billion-member church.
