Today the Holy Father Francis received in audience H.E. Mr. Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister 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, the good existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and Poland were emphasized, as well as the fruitful collaboration between the Church and the State in their respective spheres of action. Various themes of mutual interest were then considered, such as family policy and the protection of creation, with a view to the United Nations Conference on climate change to be held in Katowice in December 2018, and several matters of an ethical nature.

Finally, attention turned to the European and international situation, with particular reference to the reception of refugees and the commitment of the Polish government in favour of refugees from Ukraine and the Middle East.