On February 8, the Church will observe the eighth International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.
Participants from over 30 countries and all continents will unite in a virtual prayer marathon to combat the plight of human trafficking, which according to the International Labour Organization has left more than 40 million people in forms of modern slavery worldwide.
The Pope instituted this day of prayer in 2015 to raise awareness on an issue that he has spoken strongly about throughout his pontificate.
POPE FRANCIS
'I would like to draw on everyone's commitment to make this aberrant plague, a modern form of slavery, adequately countered. Let us pray together to the Virgin Mary to support the victims of trafficking and to convert the hearts of traffickers.'
Prior to the event, this statue, titled “Let the oppressed go free” will be presented in St. Peter's Square after the Sunday Angelus. It is a depiction of St. Bakhita, the universal symbol of the Church's commitment against human trafficking.
According to experts, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult to crack down on human trafficking, and led to new forms of exploitation that predominately target women and young girls.
JM
