The pope gave a brief, but forceful address to close the two-day meeting on human trafficking and modern slavery at the Vatican.
Pope Francis lamented that at the origin of this crime is an individualistic and egocentric mentality that considers others as merchandise.
POPE FRANCIS
“In short, human trafficking seriously harms humanity as a whole. It tears apart the human family and the body of Christ. Trafficking constitutes an unjustifiable violation of the freedom and dignity of victims, the constitutive dimension of the human being willed and created by God. It must therefore be considered a crime against humanity. Without a doubt, without a doubt.”
The pope also warned those whose hands are stained with this crime of human trafficking.
POPE FRANCIS
“Therefore, every choice contrary to the realization of God's plan in us is a betrayal of our humanity and a renunciation of 'life in abundance.' It is to take a descending ladder, to go to the lowest, to become animals.”
Finally, Pope Francis thanked the people who even risk their lives to help those who fall into the network of these criminal organizations.
