Abstract: The article explores the values of sustainable development within the context of the Catholic Church’s teaching, tracing their historical roots to the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The authors highlight the connection between the cultural, social, and moral legacy of the Thessalonian brothers and the contemporary Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations. Core themes such as justice, equality, access to education, cultural diversity, and moral responsibility are examined through the lens of Church social encyclicals – from Leo XIII to Pope Francis. Special attention is given to Laudato Si’, which presents the ecological crisis as a moral challenge and calls for dialogue between faith and science. The article concludes that Christian tradition, when authentically lived, can offer relevant tools for addressing today’s environmental and social challenges by fostering responsibility, respect, and an integral ecological perspective.

Author: Ďurková, Eva – Kondrla, Peter

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2025.18.1.144-153

Publication order reference:

Mgr. Eva Ďurková, PhD.; Constantine the Philosopher University, Faculty of Arts, Institute for Research of Constantine and Methodius’ Cultural Heritage, Štefánikova 67, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7236-4079

Prof. PhDr. Peter Kondrla, PhD.; Constantine the Philosopher University, Faculty of Arts, Institute for Research of Constantine and Methodius’ Cultural Heritage, Štefánikova 67, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4857-5578, WOS Researcher ID: AAG-6643-2020, SCOPUS Author ID: 57188814697

Source: Konštantínove listy, 2025, vol.: 18, issue: 1, pages: 144-153 (PDF file)

Keywords: SUSTAINABILITY, CATHOLIC CHURCH’S TEACHING, ENCYCLICAL LAUDATO SI’, POPE

Language: ENGLISH

Recommended Citation:

Ďurková, Eva – Kondrla, Peter. 2025. From the Cyrillo-Methodian Mission to Integral Ecology. A Theological-Ethical Reflection on Sustainable Development in the Teaching of the Catholic Church. In Konštantínove listy [Constantine’s Letters] 18/1, 144-153.