Sister Giuseppina Bakhita (1869-1947).
We publish below the message that the Holy Father Francis sent on the occasion of the 11th international day of prayer and reflection against the trafficking of people, an event that occurs in the liturgical memory of Santa Giuseppina Bakhita, which is celebrated tomorrow and which this year has For the theme “Ambassadors of hope: together against the trafficking of people”.
by Pope Francis
Dear brothers and sisters!
With joy I join you on the eleventh world day of prayer and reflection against the trafficking of people. This event occurs in the liturgical memory of Santa Giuseppina Bakhita, Sudanese woman and religious, since she was a child victim of trafficking, which has become a symbol of our commitment against this terrible phenomenon. In this jubilee year we walk together, as “pilgrims of hope”, also on the path of contrast to the trafficking.
But how is it possible to continue to nourish hope in front of millions of people, especially women and children, young people, migrants and refugees, trapped in this modern slavery? Where to draw new impetus to combat the trade in organs and human fabrics, the sexual exploitation of boys and girls, forced work, including prostitution, drugs and weapons trafficking? How do we record all this in the world and not to lose hope? Only by lifting our gaze to Christ, our hope, can we find the strength of a renewed commitment that does not let itself be won by the size of the problems and dramas, but in the dark it works to turn on flames of light, which united can live the night until not Ideal the aurora.
The young people who are fighting against the trafficking are offered an example: they tell us that we have to become ambassadors of hope and act together, with tenacity and love; that it is necessary to put on the side of the victims and survivors. With the help of God we can avoid addicting us to injustice, move away the temptation to think that certain phenomena cannot be eradicated. The Spirit of the Risen Lord supports us in promoting, with courage and effectiveness, targeted initiatives to weaken and contrast the economic and criminal mechanisms that derive profits from trafficking and exploitation. First of all, he teaches us to listen to us, with closeness and compassion, of the people who have experienced the section, to help them get back on their feet and together with them identify the best ways to free others and prevent. The route is a complex phenomenon, in constant evolution, and draws food from wars, conflicts, famines and consequences of climate change.
Therefore it requires global responses and common effort, at all levels, to contrast it. I therefore invite all of you, in particular the representatives of the governments and organizations that share this commitment, to join us, animated by prayer, to promote initiatives in defense of human dignity, for the elimination of the trafficking of people in all its forms and for the promotion of peace in the world. Together – trusting in the intercession of Santa Bakhita – we can put in place a great effort and create the conditions for the route and exploitation to be banned and always prevails compliance with fundamental human rights, in the fraternal recognition of common humanity.
Sisters and brothers, thank you for the courage and tenacity with which you carry out this work, involving many people of good will. Go ahead with hope in the Lord, walking with you! I bless you heart.
Please for you, and you pray for me.
From the Vatican, February 4, 2025
