Ex-archbishop in coma

SINGAPORE - Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Chia is in a coma after a fall on Tuesday and is now in the intensive care unit at Mount Alvernia, according to a statement from The Archbishop's Office.

The fall caused bleeding within the skull.

The 75-year-old remains under observation and may need surgery.

According to The Straits Times, he was found by a member of the public at Punggol Park, near the Catholic Spirituality Centre where he resides.

Church volunteer Joyce Pereira, 64, told The Straits Times she was shocked. "We will all pray for him and for his recovery. He has touched many lives, both young and old," she said.

Archbishop Emeritus Chia became Archbishop of Singapore in 2001. He stepped down in May last year when he reached the retirement age of 75, as required under canon law.

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