Pope defies health fears on historic Asia-Pacific tour

Pope Francis wrapped up an arduous 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific on Friday, defying health concerns to connect with believers from the jungle of Papua New Guinea to the skyscrapers of Singapore.

The 87-year-old pontiff flies home from Singapore within hours, completing his longest trip in duration and distance since he became head of the world's estimated 1.4 billion Roman Catholics more than 13 years ago.

The Argentine pope has relied on a wheelchair since 2022 because of knee pain and sciatica. He had a hernia operation in June 2023, and earlier this year he battled flu and bronchitis.

But the octogenarian has clearly revelled in energizing believers on this four-nation trip -- cheerfully goading young people in stadiums to shout out their agreement with his calls to help those in need.

The historic tour, initially planned for 2020 but postponed by the Covid-19 pandemic, has included 43 hours of flight time and a distance of 32,000 kilometers (almost 20,000 miles).

Occasionally, the pope has appeared to struggle to keep his eyes open when listening to late-night liturgical readings or to remain engaged during formal military parades. 

But neither the pace -- 16 speeches and up to eight hours of time difference -- nor the heat, nor multiple meetings have forced any rescheduling of his international odyssey.

'Superstition and magic'

On a trip that took him to the outer edges of the Church's world, the pope delivered a sometimes uncomfortable message for leaders not to forget the poor and marginalized.

In Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority state, he visited the capital Istiqlal Mosque to deliver a joint message against conflict and climate change.

In sweltering Papua New Guinea, he donned a Bird of Paradise headdress in a remote, jungle village where he told inhabitants to halt violence and renounce "superstition and magic".

Addressing political and business leaders, he insisted that the country's vast natural resources should benefit the "entire community" -- a demand likely to resound in a nation where many believe their riches are being stolen or squandered.

And in staunchly Roman Catholic East Timor, he addressed nearly half the population, drawing about 600,000 rapturous believers in the tropical heat to a celebration of mass on the island's coast.

Francis addressed East Timor's leaders, hailing a new era of "peace" since independence in 2002.

'Deeply touched'

But he also called on them to do more to prevent abuse against young people, in a nod to recent Catholic Church child abuse scandals.

In the affluent city-state of Singapore, the pope called for "special attention" to be paid to protecting the dignity of migrant workers.

"These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage," he said.

There are an estimated 170 million migrant workers around the world. Most live in the Americas or Europe-Central Asia. 

But the Argentine pope was otherwise full of praise for the "entrepreneurial spirit" and dynamism that built a "mass of ultra-modern skyscrapers that seem to rise from the sea" in his final destination. 

Sandra Ross, 55, a church administrator in Singapore, said she still "feeling the warmth and joy" after attending mass led by the pope.

"I was deeply touched by Pope Francis' courage and dedication to his mission, despite his health challenges. His spirit and enthusiasm are truly inspiring," she said.

"This Asia tour is a beautiful gesture, highlighting the importance of unity and understanding across cultures and faiths."