Planning for the future of development

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the Encyclical Populorum Progressio, an international conference entitled Perspectives for the service of integral human development: 50 years after Populorum Progressio will take place in the New Synod Hall at the Vatican next week - on Monday and Tuesday, April 3 and 4, 2017.

The conference, which has been organized by the Discastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, hopes to deepen theological, anthropological and pastoral perspectives outlined in the encyclical, particularly in relation to the efforts of those working toward the promotion of the person, and formulating guidelines for the activities of the new Dicastery.

Participants at this meeting include: members of the Pontifical Councils who are included in the Dicastery (Justice and Peace, Cor Unum, Migrants and Itinerants, Health Care Workers), representatives of the Episcopal Conferences and their Social Commissions as well as Commissions for Justice and Peace, representatives of international Catholic charity organizations and members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See.

On Monday, 3 April, following introductory remarks by Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, and a theological presentation on the theme of anthropology by Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the congress will be divided into three major areas of fundamental personal tensions: body-soul, man-woman, person-society.  In addition to presentations by experts in various sectors, testimonials will also be provided about how the Church is working directly with those who are weak.  The Cardinal Secretary of State will preside at a Eucharistic celebration which will take place in Saint Peter's Basilica on Monday, 3 April.

An audience with the Holy Father will take place on Tuesday, 4 April beginning at 11:30am.

The Congress will also be streamed live.

Journalists and media representatives who wish to participate should send their requests for temporary accreditation through the module that is available online in the accredited section of the Holy See Press Centre's website.  Those who have already been accredited should send a request for participation using the usual means.  All requests should be submitted 48 hours before the beginning of the event.

The presence of journalists in the Hall will not be permitted on Monday, 4 April from 9:00am until 1:30pm.