ISTANBUL

Pope Francis Thursday called for the use of technology to “promote understanding and solidarity” rather than to isolate individuals in a “false and intangible reality.”

The pontiff was addressing public authorities, civil society, and members of the diplomatic corps at the National University of Singapore, according to his office.

He is on his last leg of a four-nation tour to Asia which spanned 12 days, the longest since his papacy began in 2013.

Underscoring the importance of nurturing authentic human relationships, the 87-year-old Francis emphasized Singapore's "harmonious" coexistence of various ethnicities, cultures, and religions.

“This inclusivity,” said the pope, “is facilitated by the impartiality of public authorities who engage in constructive dialogue with all.”

“This mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation, he continued, are essential in avoiding conflict and chaos and in ensuring that development remains balanced and sustainable,” he added.

Lauding Singapore's growth, resilience, and commitment to social justice, the pope, however, warned against the risk of placing "pragmatism or merit above all things,” which, he said, may lead to the exclusion of the marginalized.

Francis stressed the importance of “remembering the poor and the elderly, and of protecting the dignity of migrant workers.”

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

This is the second papal visit to Singapore, the first being in 1986 during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II.

In the past 2 weeks, he visited Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Muslim-majority Indonesia.