Pope appeals for end to 'aberrant plague' of human trafficking

VIS/UN

Pope Francis called for increased efforts to end human trafficking today. The Holy Father’s appeal came in remarks following the Angelus prayer with pilgrims and tourists gathered in St Peter’s Square and the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, sponsored by the United Nations.

“Each year,” said Pope Francis, “thousands of men, women and children are innocent victims of sexual and organ trafficking, and it seems that we are so accustomed to seeing it as a normal thing.”

The Holy Father went on to say, “This is ugly, it is cruel, it is criminal.” He called human trafficking, “an aberrant plague,” and, “a modern form of slavery,” renewing his appeal for universal commitment to ending the practice.

Pope Francis concluded his appeal by leading everyone present in the recitation of the Hail Mary for the intention of ending human trafficking.

The official English translation of Pope Francis’ appeal follows:

Today is the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, promoted by the United Nations. Each year, thousands of men, women and children are innocent victims of sexual and organ trafficking, and it seems that we are so accustomed to seeing it as a normal thing. This is ugly, it is cruel, it is criminal! I would like to draw on everyone's commitment to make this aberrant plague, a modern form of slavery, adequately countered. Let us pray together the Virgin Mary to support the victims of trafficking and to convert the hearts of traffickers.

Read more about the World Day against Trafficking in Persons: www.un.org/en/events/humantrafficking/