Pope appeals for joint action to
contrast human trafficking
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| Pope Francis meets forced migrants and refugees. |
Speaking on the eve of the Day of Prayer and Awareness
Raising against Human Trafficking, the Pope urged civil society and
institutions to take concrete action to protect the victims and eliminate this
terrible scourge that affects so many forced migrants and refugees.
Pope Francis has appealed for concerted action
against human trafficking as we prepare to mark the Day
of Prayer and Awareness against this terrible scourge.
“I invite everyone, citizens and institutions, to join
forces to prevent the slave trade and to guarantee protection and assistance
for the victims” he said during the weekly General
Audience in the Vatican.
He reminded those present that 8th Febuary is the
Feast day of St Josephine Bakhita, an occasion to join in prayer and action
against the trade of human beings.
Remarking on the 2018 theme of the Day of Prayer and
Awareness – “Migration without trafficking. Say yes to Freedom and No to
slavery” - the Pope noted that many migrants are forced to choose illegal
channels of migration where they are submitted to “abuse of every kind,
exploitation and slavery.”
He noted that criminal organizations that engage in the
trafficking of persons make use of migratory routes to hide their victims among
the migrants and refugees.
Francis also asked for prayers so that “the Lord may convert
the hearts of traffickers and give hope to those who suffer because of this
shameful scourge so they may regain their freedom”.
February 8th is the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita, a
Sudanese nun, who as a child had the traumatic experience of being a victim of
human trafficking.
Religious institutes and faith-based organizations across
the world organize events and prayer services on her feast day to mark the
occasion and raise awareness against human trafficking.
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