Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis released his message for the 10th World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, which is celebrated today, liturgical memory of Saint Josephine Bakhita.
In it, the pontiff says that, “it is essential to listen to those who are suffering. I think of the victims of wars and conflicts, those affected by climate change, those forced to migrate, and those, especially women and children, who are exploited sexually or in the workplace.”
“May we listen to their cry for help and feel challenged by the stories they tell,” he says. “Together with the victims and the young, let us once more dream of a world where all people can live with freedom and dignity.”
The theme for the 10th anniversary is “Journeying in Dignity: Listen, Dream, Act”, which is also an exhortation addressed to everyone. “[B]y the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, let us make this dream a reality by taking concrete actions to combat trafficking,” the pope says.
To this end, Francis urges the faithful to “walk in the footsteps of Saint Bakhita, the religious Sister from Sudan, who as a child was sold into slavery and was a victim of traffickers. Let us remember the wrong she endured, her suffering but at the same time her strength and her journey of liberation and rebirth to a new life.”
Above all, “Saint Bakhita encourages us to open our eyes and ears to see those who go unseen and to hear those who have no voice, to acknowledge the dignity of each person and to fight trafficking and all forms of exploitation.”
Trafficking affects many countries in Asia and the Middle East, but it is often unnoticed because, as the Holy Father points out, it "often goes unseen”; hence, the media and "courageous reporters" play an even important role in bringing “to light modern forms of slavery.”
Attacking “the culture of indifference” that “desensitizes” and praising the commitment of many young people, the Holy Father goes on to ask for help, “to be more responsive, to open our lives and hearts to our sisters and brothers who even now are being bought and sold as slaves.”
The pope calls for prayers and action in families, parishes, and religious communities, in Church associations and movements, in society and politics, for a cause that is linked to human “dignity”. In his view, “the fight against trafficking can be won, but it is necessary to get to the root of the problem and eliminate its causes.”
Thus, “I encourage you [. . .] to respond to this appeal for transformation, in memory of Saint Josephine Bakhita, who stands for all those men and women who, despite their enslavement, can still attain freedom.
“It is a call to take action, to mobilize all our resources in combatting trafficking and restoring full dignity to those who have been its victims. If we close our eyes and ears, if we do nothing, we will be guilty of complicity.”
(Photo: Vatican Media)
