Pope Calls for Action Against Trafficking in EU, Africa

by Amanda Kloer · 2009-04-06 12:00:00 UTC
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As part of a series of remarks leading up to the Easter holiday this weekend, Pope Benedict XVI demanded immediate action by the European Union and African nations to stop human trafficking, saying the global economic crisis was driving more people into slavery.  During Palm Sunday mass yesterday, Benedict said of global human slavery and smuggling,

"We cannot resign ourselves to such tragedies, which unfortunately have been repeating themselves for some time".

The impetus for Pope Benedict's remarks was last week's tragedy, over 200 Libyan migrants drowned when their boat overturned on their way to Europe.  News reports have not indicated whether some or all of the people killed were migrating legally or willingly.

I'm thrilled that the Pope, who has tremendous influence over the numerous Catholics in the EU and Africa, is calling those countries to action.  But I'd like to see him and the Catholic Church dedicate some of the Vatican's substantial coffers to addressing human trafficking, especially in their backyard in Italy.  The Catholic Church is both resourced and has a well-developed system of communication between the church leaders and members, and they could easily use those resources to fight human trafficking in a more direct way.  This is a global human tragedy of epic proportions, and all people of faith should be called to take action to prevent and address it.

In related news, I recently interviewed Pope Benedict's predecessor, Pope John Paul II about human trafficking, and he had a lot to say.

Image from gambianow.com

Amanda Kloer is a Change.org Editor and has been a full-time abolitionist in several capacities for seven years. Follow her on Twitter @endhumantraffic
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