Summary
Pope Leo XIV condemned human trafficking as a “crime against humanity,” ahead of the 12th World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. In his message, the Pope called for an urgent confrontation with this grave issue affecting people through online societies and war zones. He emphasized that true peace comes from recognizing and protecting every person’s dignity. The Pope highlighted how armed conflict and geopolitical instability create opportunities for traffickers to exploit people on the move, leading to a rise in cyber slavery where victims are coerced into criminal activities like drug smuggling and fraud. He expressed gratitude to organizations aiding human trafficking victims, many of whom have also been survivors. The Pope entrusted this World Day to St. Josephine Bakh, urging that peace should be “unarmed and disarming,” rooted in the full respect for all individuals’ dignity as beloved children of God.
Key Topics
Pope Leo XIV, Human trafficking, Cyber slavery
