(VIDEO ONLY) Pope Francis has once again spoken about the childhood of children. This time, he asked to create safe spaces for the childhood of the little ones thus avoiding any kind of child exploitation in which minors collaborate in jobs that are not according to their age.
COMPLETE CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters:
In our continuing catechesis on children, we now consider their welfare. Jesus, who loves everyone as a child of God, cares especially for those who are the smallest, seeing everything done to them as done to himself. Thus, addressing the needs of these little ones is a serious moral obligation. Today, many children living in poverty are forced to work, while other children suffer from abuse or maltreatment or have recourse to drugs or gangs. As individuals and as a society, we are called to act concretely. For example, we can avoid buying products from or investing in companies that exploit child labour. We can also look to the example of Mother Teresa who invited us to help children grow as persons, in safety and love, that they might become the hope of a better future. Will we do our part?
I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those coming from South Korea and the United States. With fervent prayers that the present Jubilee of Hope be a time of grace and spiritual renewal for you and your families, I invoke upon all of you the joy and peace of the Lord Jesus!
