Christians have a duty to prevent, condemn child exploitation
Pope Francis used his first general audience of the year to address the scourge of exploitation and violence against children, urging Christians worldwide not to remain indifferent to their pain and suffering.
Jan 17, 2025
By Kristina Millare
Pope Francis used his first general audience of the year to address the scourge of exploitation and violence against children, urging Christians worldwide not to remain indifferent to their pain and suffering.
Putting a spotlight on the “scourge of child labour,” the Holy Father lamented that there are “too many children forced to work” who are unable to smile, dream, or nurture their talents.
“In every part of the globe, there are children who are exploited by an economy that does not respect life, an economy that, in so doing, consumes our greatest store of hope and love,” he said on January 8.
Speaking to hundreds of international pilgrims gathered inside the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, the Pope said society — especially Christians “who recognise themselves as children of God” — must not turn a blind eye to the plight of vulnerable children.
“[Christians] cannot accept that our little sisters and brothers, instead of being loved and protected, are robbed of their childhood, of their dreams, victims of exploitation and marginalisation,” he said.
In spite of great technological advancements, the Holy Father said, such progress has often disregarded the dignity of children, “who are a gift from God,” and failed to address their current and future needs.
“Today we want to turn our gaze toward Mars or toward virtual worlds, but we struggle to look in the eye a child who has been left at the margins and who is exploited or abused,” he said.
“The century that generates artificial intelligence and plans multi-planetary existences has not yet reckoned with the scourge of humiliated, exploited, mortally wounded childhood,” he continued.
Before extending his greetings to different pilgrim groups from around the world, the Pope prayed: “Let us ask the Lord to open our minds and hearts to care and tenderness, and for every boy and every girl in the world to be able to grow in age, wisdom, and grace, receiving and giving love.”--CNA
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