Pope launches Super Nuns initiative to combat human trafficking

Pope launches Super Nuns

Source: Vatican News

On Saturday, the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, and Feast of St Josephine Bakhita, Pope Francis launched an on-line fundraising initiative - 'Super Nuns' to raise funds for the Talitha Kum network of religious sisters who dedicate their lives to the rescue and rehabilitation of human trafficking survivors.

'Super Nuns' is a collaboration between the sisters and some well-known graphic artists who will be posting their comic strip style images on the subscriber-supported Patreon platform.

The Pope said people must be educated about the healthy use of technology, with studies showing that criminal organizations increasingly use the internet to lure victims.

During his address to pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square for the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis recalled launching the Super Nun site.

He also spoke both about providing healing for those who have already fallen victim to this form of modern-day slavery, and about the need for prevention.

"To heal this scourge - because it is truly a scourge - which exploits the weakest, the commitment of all is needed: institutions, associations, as well as educational agencies," he said.

In his appeal on Sunday, Pope Francis also said education is key to preventing people from falling into human trafficking in the first place.

"I would like to recall that various studies have shown that criminal organizations are increasingly using modern means of communication to lure victims through deception," he said.

So, he added, the Church needs to educate people "about the healthy use of technology," while at the same time "reminding the providers of online services about their responsibilities."

Visit the Super Nun site here: www.patreon.com/SuperNuns (You can become a Patron for as little as $2 a month)