Today the Holy Father Francis received in audience H.E. Mr. Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, which took place in the context of the fortieth anniversary of the election of Saint John Paul II as Supreme Pontiff, the importance of Christian values in the country’s history was underlined, especially with regard to the formation of its cultural and religious identity. Attention then turned to various themes of common interest, such as the promotion of the family and welcome.

Finally, mention was made of Poland’s contribution to the European integration project, as well as various themes of an international character, such as the conflict in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, migrations, and the protection of creation in view of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which will be held in Katowice next December.