On the initiative of the Prefect of the Holy See, Cardinal Gerhard Müller, an international conference was held on "Sustainable Development in the Light of the Encyclical Laudato Si. The conference dealt with the most important problems of the world, such as: lack of good water, clean air, soil degradation, desertification process, hunger, migration, exclusion, biodiversity and climate change.

The conference took place in the Sejm hall, hosted by the Speaker of the Sejm Marek Kuchciński. He began his speech by quoting the words of Pope Francis. - Concern for the environment and the protection of creation has a social dimension, which we often tend to forget. In this way, he points out how much the destruction and degradation of man's environment affects man himself - said the Speaker. The development that takes place in the world thanks to man - in various dimensions: technical progress, economic progress, cultural progress - for its fullness always requires spiritual development, thanks to which a rational man is able to properly manage the environment entrusted to him and to limit his possibilities responsibly himself', said Marek Kuchciński.

The cardinal drew attention to a passage in the encyclical in which the Holy Father writes about ecological conversion and encourages serious consideration of the ecological crisis that has affected all of humanity. - What is at stake here, then, is a disposition that fosters an encounter with Christ. This is to draw all the consequences necessary for good relationships, relationships with other people, with the surrounding environment," said the prefect.

Małgorzata Sadurska, representing the President of the Republic of Poland, said that the Laudato Si' encyclical is not limited to a reminder of the obvious fact that the basis of our biological existence depends on the condition of the natural environment. It also discusses the spiritual, moral and social consequences of our choices concerning the broadly understood environment of human life.

The co-originator of the conference, the Minister of the Environment, Professor Jan Szyszko, spoke about a great chance for Poland, given by the Paris Agreement. Poland must take advantage of this opportunity.

On behalf of Prime Minister Beata Szydło, the letter was read by Deputy Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. He drew attention to the need to build new solidarity in the face of the environmental crisis.

- The Holy Father emphasizes that we must all respond together to the cry, both of the earth and of the poor. Today's conference is an apt response to the Pope's call to renew dialogue on how we build the future of our planet," Morawiecki said.