Press Release by the
Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
Card. Turkson represents the Holy See at EXPO 2017
From 8 to 11 June, Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, will visit Astana, Kazakhstan, for the inauguration of EXPO 2017, centered upon the theme “Future Energy”, in his role as “Commissioner for participation of the Holy See” at the event.
The Holy See, which has participated in the Universal Expositions since 1851, will be present with its own pavilion, entitled “Energy for the Common Good: Caring for our Common Home.” The pavilion was realized through contributions from the local Church. It explores the theme of energy for the future, interpreted as an opportunity for the promotion of humanity from every aspect, both material and spiritual, and the possibility of improving the “common home” on the basis of an equitable and sustainable use of natural resources, above all those for energy.
The display structure of the Holy See develops four thematic areas: the love of God as the origin of the creation of man and of the earth; energy as a tool in the hands and the life of man, who has not always made efficient and adequate use of it throughout time; energy directed towards the development of the person and the care of the common home; and the spiritual energy that inspires the life of people of faith and acts as an incentive to stimulate the search for the religious sense in those who do not believe. In addition to digital installations, visitors will also be able to explore the theme of energy through photographic, artistic, cultural and spiritual itineraries.
The inauguration of EXPO 2017 will take place on 9 June, and the Holy See pavilion will begin the morning of 10 June. Cardinal Turkson will be accompanied by His Excellency Msgr. Francis Assisi Chullikatt, Apostolic Nuncio in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and by representatives of the local Church as well as authorities of the host country.
The Holy See National Day is scheduled to take place on 2 September 2017.
For information please contact the Press and Communications Office of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development: Roberto Paglialonga (r.paglialonga@humandevelopment.va), Pamela Fabiano (p.fabiano@humandevelopment.va), Claudia di Lorenzi (c.dilorenzi@humandevelopment.va ).