The first major United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 5, 1972. This is why June 5 is the occasion for Pope Francis to address participants in a special Green and Blue Festival. The colors symbolize sustainability and technology, as indicated on the organization’s website here.

The Pope’s message builds on the teaching of Pope Benedict and Francis’ own encyclical Laudato Si. The text should be read by all people of good will: