Pope Francis invites all to join forces to help victims of human trafficking

VATICAN CITY – For this World Day Against Trafficking, Pope Francis has invited everyone, citizens and institutions, to “join forces” to prevent trafficking and to guarantee protection and assistance to victims.

Toward the conclusion of the General Audience on 7 Feb 2018, the Holy Father reminded that  February 8, liturgical feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Trafficking will be observed.

Therefore, Francis exhorted to pray “so that the Lord will convert the hearts of the traffickers” and “give hope of regaining freedom” to those suffering from this shameful scourge.

The Pope reminded that this year’s theme is “Migration without Trafficking. Yes to Freedom! No to Trafficking!”

“With few possibilities of regular channels, many migrants decide to venture in other ways, where often abuses of all sorts await them, exploitation and slavery,” the Pope reminded. – zenit.org