Holy See’s pavilion at Milan’s Expo 2015

(Vatican Radio)  Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture on Tuesday unveiled details of the Holy See’s pavilion for Milan’s upcoming Universal Exhibition ‘Expo 2015’ which will be centred on the issue of nutrition. The Cardinal, who is also the Holy See’s General Commissioner for the Milan Expo, noted that the Holy See’s pavilion has two themes: “not by bread alone” and “Give us our daily bread” and through these biblical themes it wants to draw the attention of visitors to the symbolic relevance of food and also to recall statements made by Pope Francis on the continuing scandal of hunger and malnutrition in our world. Artistic and cultural exhibits will be showcased in the Vatican pavilion exploring four sub-themes: A Garden to Safeguard, A Food to Share, An Educating Meal and Bread that makes God Present.  

Speaking to journalists at the press conference in the Vatican, Cardinal Ravasi stressed that the Holy See's pavilion at the Expo is very simple and minimalist in style, in keeping with its subject matter, and reminded those present that the Holy See has a long tradition of participating in exhibitions and cultural events, dating back to the rule of Pope Pius IX in the 19th century.  

The overall theme for the Milan Expo is “Feeding the planet, energy for life” and over 140 countries will be showcasing the best of their culture, traditions and cutting edge technologies as they seek solutions to the vital question of providing, safe, healthy and sufficient food for all, while respecting the balance of our natural environment.  Running for 6 months from May 1st to October 31st this year, the Expo is expected to attract more than 20 million visitors to the northern Italian city.