ASIA/SINGAPORE - Nunciature publishes memorial book to mark 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Singapore

Singapore (Agenzia Fides) - A special book was published by Apostolic Nunciature in Singapore to mark a major event underlined in the book’s title “The 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Singapore” (1981-2006).
The Book includes Letters written for the occasion by the Holy See’s Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Hsien Loong, the Special Papal Envoy to the celebrations Cardinal Renato Martino president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace Pace, a statement by Archbishop Nicholas Chia, Archbishop Singapore. In the Forward Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, traces 25 years of close collaboration between the Holy See and Singapore, recalling significant events such as the visit by Pope John Paul to Singapore on 20 November 1986 and the “Journey of Faith, Art and History” from the Vatican Collections” exhibited at the Asian Civilisation Museum of Singapore in October 2005 organised in collaboration with Vatican Museums.
The first part of the book illustrates the special character of the Holy See diplomatic activity in the context of international law, with the publication of an intervention by Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Holy See secretary for relations with states given at Singapore’s Institute of Southeast Asian Studies di Singapore on 17 June 2005. It includes interventions by the different Nuncios in these 25 years offering an exhaustive history of events.
The second part of the book focuses on memorable events including the visit by Pope John Paul II visits to the Vatican of Singapore’s political leaders, numerous common initiatives through the years in a spirit of friendship and fruitful cooperation.
From 20 to 23 June Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, presided as Special Envoy of His Holiness Benedict XVI, celebrations in Singapore for the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Holy See. (Agenzia Fides 11/7/2006 righe 25 parole 259)