Conference on Combating Human Trafficking

“This is a conference – an important conference – but it is also a sign: it is a sign of the Church and a sign of men and women of good will who want to cry out, ‘Enough!.’” These were the words emphasized by Pope Francis this morning when he addressed those present at the Second International Conference 'Combating Human Trafficking: Church and Law Enforcement in Partnership.' The two-day conference came to a close today April 10th, 2014.

This morning at 11:15 in Paul VI Hall in the Vatican, Pope Francis spoke to the conference participants. He immediately thanked those who organized it, in particular Cardinal Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, and the the bishops conference of England and Wales. He also thanked the Pontifical Council for Social Sciences for hosting it. He recognized the conference as the second of its kind held at the Vatican and its role “in promoting united efforts against human trafficking.”

“Human trafficking is an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ," he said. "It is a crime against humanity. The very fact of our being here to combine our efforts means that we want our strategies and areas of expertise to be accompanied and reinforced by the mercy of the Gospel, by closeness to the men and women who are victims of this crime.”

Pope Francis contrasted the two groups primarily present. He first pointed out the law enforcement authorities “primarily responsible for combating this tragic reality by a vigorous application of the law.” Next, he honed in on the second group, which includes humanitarian and social workers, whose task, he said, "is to provide victims with welcome, human warmth and the possibility of building a new life.”

The Holy Father emphasized that “These are two different approaches, but they can and must go together. To dialogue and exchange views on the basis of these two complementary approaches is quite important. Conferences such as this are extremely helpful, and, I would say, much needed.” He also noted that this is evident due to the fact that they are already reconvening a year since their last conference on this subject.

Zenit.org