"The circus may be defined as an asset of immeasurable human and cultural value" because "the role of circus art has remained unchanged both in the promotion of intercultural and inter-religious coexistence, and in dialogue and in the construction of peace". This was stated by Cardinal Peter Turkson in his Message for the 9th World Circus Day, April 21st.
Quoting Pope Francis, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development added that the circus people are “artisans of wonder", and - as John Paul II said - a "frontier laboratory" on the themes of pastoral care, ecumenism and encounters.
Here is the Italian text