Cardinal William Goh, archbishop of Singapore, said the papal visit is an honour for the Church and state.

“It has been 38 years since we had a visit from the Vicar of Christ to Singapore, when Pope St John Paul II honoured with a visit on 20 November 1986. It is my hope that this visit of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, will bring renewed fervour to all Catholics in Singapore, uniting them in faith and mission, especially in these most challenging of times,” Goh said.

Apart from official State engagements, the archdiocese said, the highlight of Pope Francis’ visit is expected to be a Eucharistic celebration with his flock, likely on Sept. 12.

Singapore government, the Holy See and local Church officials are still discussing the details of the visit.

The pope is scheduled to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore during his September 2-13 Asia visit, Vatican News reported.

He will first visit Indonesia from September 3 to 6 and then visit Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, and Vanimo from September 6 to 9.