“Dear brothers and sisters, on the occasion of the 12th World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, I firmly renew the Church’s urgent call to confront and bring an end to this grave crime against humanity.” With these words, the Holy Father begins his message, in which he invites the entire Church and all people of good will to recognize the urgency of combating human trafficking and defending the dignity of all human life. On this Journey of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking, and the sacred memory of Saint Josephine Bakhita, whose life is a shining witness of faith, freedom, and hope after having suffered the cruelty of slavery, we recall that true peace begins by recognizing and safeguarding the dignity that God has given to every person.

The Holy Father calls us to confront the culture of indifference and domination that allows human trafficking to flourish, especially in contexts of war, forced migration, poverty, and inequality. He warns that new forms of exploitation, including “digital slavery,” manipulate and coerce the most vulnerable, particularly women, children, migrants, refugees, and displaced persons. Prayer and awareness-raising, the Holy Father reminds us, are essential paths to resist injustice, expose hidden systems of exploitation, and build a renewed vision of humanity based on love, solidarity, and respect for life.

The Scalabrinian Family renews its commitment to walk alongside vulnerable populations who are often at greater risk of trafficking and exploitation. For more than a century, Scalabrinian missionaries, sisters, and lay collaborators have served migrants through shelters, migrant houses, pastoral accompaniment, legal and social assistance, education, and the defense of human rights. By welcoming deportees, refugees, victims of trafficking, and displaced families, we offer safe spaces where dignity is restored, wounds are healed, and hope is rekindled. Through international networks, research initiatives, and collaboration with civil society and ecclesial organizations, the Scalabrinians continue to promote policies that protect migrants and prevent trafficking, while also supporting the most vulnerable through education, job training, and community integration.

Following the example of Saint Bakhita and strengthened by the Gospel's call to see Christ in every migrant and in every person who suffers, the Scalabrinian mission remains dedicated to being “migrants with migrants.” May God protect, heal the hearts, and break the chains of every person who suffers or has suffered from this scourge.

📖 Message from Pope Leo XIV:

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