Vatican City, Nov 16, 2016 / 11:10 am
Ahead of the next international exposition, to be held in Kazakhstan during the summer of 2017, the Vatican announced Wednesday its participation under the theme "Energy for the Common Good: Caring for our Common Home."
The Church is the only religious group to be formally present at the Expo, participating in its capacity as a sovereign state, which it has done since the first "world's fair," known as the "Great Exhibition" in London in 1851.
In keeping with their unique position, the Vatican's exhibit at the Expo will include both a practical and a spiritual aspect, said Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, which is responsible for the organization of the Vatican's presence at the Expo.
The overall theme of Expo 2017, being held in Astana June 10 - Sept. 10, is "Future Energy: Energy for All." The Vatican gladly accepted the invitation to participate, Cardinal Turkson said.