March 23, 2024 / 12:11 PM
The lights of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica will be turned off this Saturday from 8:30 p.m. (Rome time), and for 60 minutes, in order to join the Earth Hour initiative and give “a symbolic gesture ” that raises awareness about the care of creation.
The announcement was made this March 23 by Father Enzo Fortunato, communications director of the Vatican Basilica. He explained that the objective is to “raise awareness and inspire the women and men of our time” to respect the environment and act against climate change.
The priest recalled that in the encyclical Laudato Si’Pope Francis points out that the ecological issue must focus on ethics and social justice, and that what is happening in “our common home” is an unprecedented challenge that concerns “our responsibility towards others and future generations.” .