Pope calls to fight and denounce "the scourge" of human trafficking

Pope Francis today called on governments around the world to fight "with determination" the causes of human trafficking, which he described as "plague" and which must be denounced.

After praying on Angelus Sunday in St. Peter's Square, Francisco referred to the motto of the World Day Against Human Trafficking, "Together Against Trafficking," and said that it was an "invitation to join forces to meet this challenge". .

"I thank all those who are fighting this scourge, especially many religious, and especially I call on governments to face with determination the causes of this scourge and to protect the victims," ​​said the pope since the window of the apostolic palace.

He explained that "in any case, everyone can help denounce the trafficking and slavery of men, women and children" and recommended "the strength" of prayer.

Francisco distributed a prayer among the faithful to the Sudanese saint Josefina Bakhita (1869-1947), kidnapped as a child, abused and sold as a slave several times and eventually becoming a nanny in a family in Italy, where she was finally made nun, Efe reported.

"May God liberate all those who have been threatened, wounded, abused by human trafficking and trafficking," he recited, with the faithful, a prayer to the saint.

The pope also asked "not to sink into indifference so that we can open our eyes and see the miseries and injuries of so many brothers and sisters deprived of their dignity and freedom, and listen to their call to l & # 39; help. "