Pope Francis Calls for Unity in Fight Against Human Trafficking

Russ Jones | Christian Press | Updated: Jan 05, 2015

Pope Francis Calls for Unity in Fight Against Human Trafficking

Pope Francis started the New Year with a call to rid the world of human trafficking, according to Christian Today. Under the theme “No Longer Slaves,” the pope condemned slavery and human trafficking during the New Year’s Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

"All of us are called [by God] to be free, all are called to be sons and daughters, and each, according to his or her own responsibilities, is called to combat modern forms of enslavement," said Pope Francis. "From every people, culture and religion, let us join our forces."

The Pontiff asserted that peace is always possible. 

“Each person, and every people hungers and thirsts for peace; therefore, it is necessary and urgent to build peace!”

 Pope Francis also criticized authorities in Rome for note using funds to help the poor and migrant workers.

"We need a great daily attitude of Christian liberation," the pope said, "to defend the poor rather than defending ourselves from the poor, and to defend the weak rather than defending ourselves from the weak."

Publication date: January 5, 2015



Pope Francis Calls for Unity in Fight Against Human Trafficking