Human trafficking is a scourge that we all must help combat, Pope Francis says.
He is appealing to everyone, including citizens and institutions, to join forces against human trafficking and to help the victims.
His plea is echoed by English Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, who says churches, governments, police and business leaders must do more to tackle the growing phenomenon.
Nichols was one of several Church leaders and police department leaders from over 30 countries who attended a meeting of the ‘Santa Marta’ group at the Vatican last week. The meeting’s focus was on combatting modern slavery and trafficking.
At the papal audience which concluded the meeting last Friday, Francis said migrants are often victims, as many are forced to choose illegal channels of migration.
These people are exposed to “abuse of every kind, exploitation and slavery.”
Francis says criminal organizations engaging in human trafficking make use of migratory routes to hide their victims among the migrants and refugees.
He asked for prayers so “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”.
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