Pope to Astana Expo: Religions also work for future energy

The Papal Message on the occasion of the National Day of the Holy See at the international exhibition dedicated to future energy. Energy resources must not be " to unscrupulous financial speculation or to become a source of conflict". "The health of the planet," "the welfare of our societies," "our own dignity," "justice and peace," is in play.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "Broad-ranging and frank dialogue on all levels and among different sectors of our societies” is needed with regards Future Energy. “It is my hope that the different religions will take part in this dialogue,” writes Pope Francis in the Message that was released today by the Vatican Press Office on the occasion of the National Day of the Holy See at the Expo 2017 Exposition in Astana.

From September 9 to September 10, the Astana Expo will focus on Future Energy and the debate on available energy resources, on the increasingly urgent use of renewable energies, on sustainability in global  development.

The message states that "serious and responsible reflection is demanded on how mankind can, in coming years, draw on innovative technologies to make wise use of the energy resources that are our common legacy. We are all conscious of the fact that our use of those resources is critical for the health of our world and the welfare of our societies, a welfare that needs to be viewed in integral terms, and not simply as economic prosperity or greater capacity for consumption. We must act now to ensure that energy is used to improve our lives and to cause our human family to flourish, for by nature we are called to fruitful interaction, solidarity and love".

Broad-ranging and frank dialogue on all levels and among different sectors of our societies” is needed so that energy resources are not "left to the throes of speculation", or become a "source of conflict”. "Future Energy" is not just a task for researchers, technologists or investors: it also represents a challenge to the worlds of culture, politics, education and religion."

For the pontiff, it is important to resume the ethical principles that can shape projects for the future in religious traditions: " It is important for all of us to discover in our own religious traditions the inspiration and criteria that foster a courageous commitment to perseverance in bettering our relations and in living together as brothers and sisters."

"The way we use energy resources," he concludes, "is a sign of how well we are carrying out the task that, according to many religious traditions, has been entrusted to us by God, namely to care for the world around us and for our fellow human beings of every time and place. If our generation and use of energy are sustainable and grounded in solidarity, we are doing our job well. Otherwise, we are not. At stake is our very dignity; at stake too are justice and peace."

• Vatican
• Kazakhstan
• economy
• expo astana
• future energy
• ecology
• renewables
• sustainable development
• poverty
• solidarity
• lauded yes
• interreligious dialogue