By Paschal Norbert
VATICAN, FEBRUARY 10, 2023 (CISA)- “Human trafficking disfigures dignity. Exploitation and subjugation limit freedom and turn people into objects to use and discard. And the system of trafficking profits from the injustice and wickedness the oblige millions of people to live in conditions of vulnerability. Indeed, people impoverished by the economic crisis, wars, climate change and many forms of instability are easily recruited. Unfortunately. trafficking is growing to a worrying extent, affecting primarily migrants, women and children, young people like you, people full of dreams and the desire to live in dignity,” said Pope Francis in a video message sent to the participants of the online Prayer Marathon that took place on the occasion of the 9th International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.
The theme of the online prayer marathon held on February 8, the Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita, the patroness of victims of human trafficking was “Journeying in Dignity”. The pope used the occasion to rally the youth to join forces, build lasting networks of good and become protagonists against human trafficking.
“I encourage you to care for dignity, yours and of every person you meet. I know it was you who chose this theme: “Journeying in dignity”. It is very important: it indicates a broad horizon for your commitment against human trafficking: human dignity. In this way, you can contribute to keeping hope alive, and I would also add joy, which I invite you to preserve in your hearts, along with the Word of God, because the true joy is Christ!” implored the pontiff.
“We live in a difficult time, but it is precisely in this reality that all of us, in particular young people, are required to join forces to build networks of good, to spread the light that comes from Christ and his Gospel. The light that will be symbolically handed over in these days to the young people who have come to Rome to represent the organizations that have for years collaborated for this Day of Prayer and Awareness against trafficking…Guard this light and be a blessing to other young people. Never tire of seeking pathways for transforming our societies and preventing the shameful scourge that is human trafficking,” he added.
In the video, the pope also reflected on the messages of hope: “Walking with open eyes to recognize the processes that lead millions of people, especially young people, to exploitation and human trafficking. Walking with an attentive heart to discover the daily paths of thousands of people in search of freedom and dignity. Walking with hope guiding our feet to promote anti-trafficking actions. Walking together hand in hand to build a culture of encounter that leads to the conversion of hearts and inclusive societies, capable of unmasking stereotypes and protecting the rights of every person,” which the participants had shared as he emphasized that in the journey with dignity and against human trafficking, no one should be left behind.
“I hope that many people will accept your invitation to walk together against trafficking: walking together with those who are destroyed by the violence of sexual and labour exploitation; to walk together with migrants, displaced persons, those who are searching for a place to live in peace and family. Together with you, young people, to reaffirm courageously the value of human dignity,” said Pope Francis.
