Archbishop of Singapore: Who is He and What Does He Do?
If you’re interested in learning about the Archbishop of Singapore, you’ve come to the right place. The Archbishop of Singapore is the leader of the Catholic Church in Singapore and is responsible for overseeing the spiritual well-being of the Catholic community in the country. In this article, we’ll explore the role of the Archbishop of Singapore, as well as the history and leadership of the Catholic Church in Singapore.

The Catholic Church has a long and rich history in Singapore, dating back to the early 1800s. Since then, the Church has played an important role in the spiritual and social life of the country. Today, the Catholic Church in Singapore is led by the Archbishop of Singapore, who is responsible for overseeing the spiritual well-being of the Catholic community in the country. The Archbishop is also responsible for promoting the teachings of the Catholic Church and for ensuring that the Church’s mission is carried out effectively.
Key Takeaways
- The Archbishop of Singapore is the leader of the Catholic Church in Singapore, responsible for overseeing the spiritual well-being of the Catholic community in the country.
- The Catholic Church has a long and rich history in Singapore, dating back to the early 1800s.
- The Archbishop of Singapore is responsible for promoting the teachings of the Catholic Church and for ensuring that the Church’s mission is carried out effectively.
History and Leadership

Origins of the Archdiocese
The Archdiocese of Singapore was established in 1972, when the Diocese of Singapore was elevated to an archdiocese. The Archdiocese of Singapore is under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church. The Archdiocese of Singapore includes all that is under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Singapore.
Prominent Figures
The Archdiocese of Singapore has been led by several prominent figures over the years. One of the most notable figures is Gregory Yong, who was the first Archbishop of Singapore. He was appointed in 1972 and served until 1977.
Another prominent figure in the history of the Archdiocese of Singapore is Nicholas Chia, who served as Archbishop of Singapore from 2003 to 2013. During his tenure, he oversaw the establishment of several new parishes in Singapore.
Transition of Leadership
The current Archbishop of Singapore is Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye. He was appointed as the fourth Archbishop of Singapore in 2013, succeeding Nicholas Chia. In 2022, he was made a cardinal by Pope Francis.
Under Cardinal Goh’s leadership, the Archdiocese of Singapore has continued to grow and expand. He has overseen the establishment of new parishes and the renovation of existing ones. He has also been a vocal advocate for social justice and interfaith dialogue.
Overall, the Archdiocese of Singapore has a rich history and has been led by many dedicated and influential leaders over the years. With Cardinal Goh at the helm, the Archdiocese is poised to continue its mission of serving the Catholic community in Singapore and promoting the values of the Catholic Church.
Structure and Governance

As the governing body for all Catholic churches in Singapore, the Archdiocese of Singapore is led by Cardinal William Goh. The Archdiocese is structured in a way that enables it to carry out its mission of serving the Catholic community in Singapore.
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Singapore. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Singapore and serves as the mother church of the Archdiocese. The cathedral is located in the heart of the city and is a popular tourist attraction.
Churches Under the Archdiocese
The Archdiocese of Singapore oversees a number of churches in Singapore, including the Church of the Holy Family and the Church of the Holy Cross. These churches serve as places of worship for the Catholic community in Singapore.
Major Seminary
The St Francis Xavier Major Seminary is the only Catholic seminary in Singapore. It is responsible for the formation of priests and religious leaders in the Archdiocese of Singapore.
The Archdiocese of Singapore is part of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. The conference is responsible for promoting and coordinating the pastoral work of the Catholic Church in these countries.
The Archdiocese of Singapore is also in communion with the Holy See, which is the central governing body of the Catholic Church. The Archbishop of Singapore is appointed by the Pope and serves as his representative in Singapore.
Overall, the Archdiocese of Singapore is governed by a hierarchical structure that enables it to carry out its mission of serving the Catholic community in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions

Who currently holds the position of Archbishop in Singapore?
The current Archbishop of Singapore is William Goh. He was appointed as the Archbishop in 2013, after his predecessor, Archbishop Nicholas Chia Yeck Joo, resigned.
Can you tell me about Archbishop William Goh’s family background?
Archbishop William Goh was born in Singapore in 1957. He comes from a family of 12 children and grew up in a Catholic family. His parents were both teachers.
What educational background does Archbishop William Goh have?
Archbishop William Goh holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and English Literature from the National University of Singapore. He also has a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy from the same university. In addition, he has a Master of Theology degree from the University of Melbourne and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of London.
What is the most prominent Catholic church in Singapore?
The most prominent Catholic church in Singapore is the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. It is the oldest Catholic church in Singapore and is located in the heart of the city.
How can one find the schedule for Catholic Masses in Singapore?
You can find the schedule for Catholic Masses in Singapore on the website of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore. The website provides information on the Mass schedules for all Catholic churches in Singapore.
In the Catholic hierarchy, who ranks above the Archbishop?
In the Catholic hierarchy, the Pope ranks above the Archbishop. The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and is considered to be the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. The Archbishop is responsible for the administration of the Archdiocese, which is a geographical area that includes several dioceses.