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1 September: what is celebrated today
The start of September gives us a mosaic of commemorations that combine science, environmental awareness and spirituality. From fingerprinting, which revolutionised criminology, to the defence of primates and prayer for creation, this day invites us to reflect on the relationship between human beings, justice, nature and faith.
World Dactyloscopy Day
Every 1 September we celebrate World Dactyloscopy Day, in honour of Juan Vucetich, the Croatian-Argentinian who changed criminal investigation forever by demonstrating that no two fingerprints are alike.
Inspired by European studies, Vucetich created the first official fingerprint classification and in 1892 helped solve the famous Francisca Rojas case, making dactyloscopy a key tool for justice.
Today, every time a police series shows fingerprints being taken at a crime scene, there is a little of that legacy which began in Argentina more than a century ago.
International Primate Day
Today we also remember the importance of protecting our closest relatives in the animal kingdom: primates.
Deforestation, illegal hunting and disease threaten the survival of species such as chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas. International Primate Day, established in 2005, seeks to highlight these problems and promote their conservation.
They are animals with highly developed brains, great social capacity and, above all, an essential role in ecosystems. Protecting them means protecting the biodiversity of the entire planet.
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
Since 2015, Pope Francis has invited us every 1 September to join in a day of prayer and commitment for nature.
This day seeks to inspire believers to care for the planet through concrete actions, recalling that faith and ecology are not at odds, but complement one another in the mission to protect the common home.
Beyond creed, it is a universal invitation: to reflect on the impact of our actions and move towards a more sustainable way of life.