Singapore: Pope Francis to visit multiple locations nationwide Sept. 11-13

Heightened security is likely in Singapore during a visit by Pope Francis Sept. 11-13; locations especially affected will be event venues, Changi International Airport (SIN), and hotels and routes used by delegates. Official events are as follows:

• Sept. 11: Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive at SIN at 14:15.

• Sept. 12: Pope Francis will attend a welcome ceremony at Parliament House with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at 09:00. He will then meet the members of civil society, diplomatic corps, and others at the University Cultural Centre at the National University of Singapore at 10:30. In the afternoon, he will preside over mass at the National Stadium.

• Sept. 13: Pope Francis will visit the elderly and aged sick at St Theresa Home at 09:15 and attend an interreligious meeting with youths at Catholic Junior College at 10:00. He will depart Singapore from SIN at 11:20.

Traffic restrictions, including diversions and road closures, are certain near event venues, especially ahead of the holy mass at the National Stadium. Crowds could line streets near event venues to see the pope, though significant disruptions are unlikely. Increased traffic congestion is possible near event venues as attendees arrive and depart. Closures of educational institutions and businesses along key routes leading to main meeting sites may occur.

While the risk of petty crime in Singapore is low, opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing, remains possible at crowded gatherings. Authorities have not publicized any specific threats to the events; however, the possibility of terrorism exists nationwide due to the presence of radical Islamist elements in the region. Measures such as vehicular and pedestrian checks are probable at sensitive sites like major roadways, government buildings, security installations, and crowded public places in Singapore Sept. 11-13.