Holy See guest of honour at 2014 Turin International Book Fair
March 19,2014: A press conference was held in the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday
to present the Holy See's participation as a guest of honour at the 27th Turin International
Book Fair, to take place from 8 to 12 May. Among the speakers were: Cardinal Gianfranco
Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture and Rolando Picchioni, president
of the Foundation for Books, Music and Cultural Activities. The Holy See will
be represented by a stand in the form of a dome made out of books, explained Cardinal
Ravasi. The stand will host several cultural and artistic events, including a
pre-inauguration concert performed by the choir of the Sistine Chapel; a cultural
debate, and a presentation by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin,
of a new book dedicated to the Holy Father and a dialogue on the first year of Pope
Francis' pontificate. The Turin International Book Fair opened its doors for the
first time in 2001, and each year it invites a different country to attend as a guest
of honour. Rolando Picchioni, president of the Foundation for Books, Music and
Cultural Activities said the participation of the Holy See this year, “not only constitutes
an out of the ordinary presence, but in a certain way has also shaped the spirit according
to which the most important debates and events are structured. Source: VIS