Naples, May 12, 2025 – Città della Scienza and the Diocese of Pozzuoli have signed an important three-year Framework Agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration between science, culture and spirituality to foster the integral progress of the individual and society. The signing took place today, Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the impressive Alto Foyer of Newton Hall in Città della Scienza, in the presence of the Bishop of Pozzuoli and Ischia, Monsignor Carlo Villano, and the President of Fondazione IDIS – Città della Scienza, Prof. Riccardo Villari. Also present was the Board Member of the Coroglio scientific pole, Fabio Costigliola, promoter of the agreement, a significant cultural and social signal.
The agreement stems from a common awareness of the importance of promoting a fruitful encounter between scientific, humanistic and spiritual knowledge. Both institutions recognize the value of scientific dissemination, intercultural dialogue and the promotion of values of solidarity and inclusion as essential tools for community growth and the enhancement of the Phlegrean territory.
The partnership is part of the broader context of the desire, shared by the Holy See and Fondazione IDIS, to create synergies between faith and civil society, emphasizing the ethical, educational and cultural dimensions. The Diocese of Pozzuoli has always been committed to promoting the common good and supporting local communities, with special attention to the most vulnerable segments of the population. Città della Scienza, for its part, is recognized as a leading scientific and interactive museum center in Italy, dedicated to the dissemination of scientific and technological culture and the promotion of innovation for harmonious development.
The concrete aims of the collaboration outline a shared path to make Città della Scienza an increasingly open and accessible place for the local community. The main goals include fostering the openness of Città della Scienza to the local community, promoting cultural and scientific initiatives and events, including through the diocese’s official communication channels; Actively supporting social inclusion and cultural accessibility, removing barriers that may limit participation; and Promoting a solid culture of dialogue between science and faith, helping to bridge the sometimes perceived gap between civil society, the scientific world and the ecclesial reality on the ground.
The framework agreement, which is valid for three years and is renewable, also includes concrete operational arrangements for translating the shared principles into action. The Diocese of Pozzuoli will have facilities in organizing events and conferences at the facilities of Città della Scienza and is committed to holding its annual ecclesial convention in the auditorium of Newton Hall.
Another key aspect concerns accessibility to the museum for families in need who will be given free access in the Museum of Città della Scienza with guided tours in the exhibition areas.
Today’s signing represents a significant step in the journey of rapprochement and collaboration between two entities that are fundamental to the cultural and social life of the Phlegrean territory. It is a joint effort to build bridges, foster mutual understanding and work together for the common good, demonstrating how science and faith can dialogue and enrich each other in a perspective of integral human growth.