Pope appeals for prayers and action against human trafficking

image by Luke Teague

During the General Audience on Wednesday in Pope Paul VI Hall, after his catechesis, Pope Francis reminded pilgrims that Thursday, the feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita, is the World Day of Prayer and reflection against Human Trafficking. This year's theme is 'Migration without Trafficking. Yes to Freedom! No to Trafficking!'

Pope Francis said: "Having few possibilities of regular channels, many migrants decide to venture by other ways, where often abuses of all sorts await them, exploitation and being reduced to slavery. Criminal organizations, dedicated to the trafficking of persons, use these migratory routes to conceal their victims among migrants and refugees. Therefore I invite all, citizens and institutions, to join forces to prevent trafficking and guarantee protection and assistance to the victims. Let us all pray so that the Lord will convert the heart of traffickers - this is an awful word, traffickers of persons - and give the hope of reacquiring freedom to those that suffer due to this shameful scourge."

Read the new Global Sisters Report on Human Trafficking here: http://globalsistersreport.org/topics/trafficking