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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "Child abuse, of whatever nature, is a despicable act, it is a heinous act. It is not simply a blight on society, no, it is a crime! And it is a gross violation of God’s commandments. No child should be abused. Even one case is already too many".
Pope Francis chose strong words, already pronounced on other occasions, to denounce the atrocious scourge of child exploitation, during today's general audience, as part of the short cycle of catechisms on children, interrupting the path of reflection on the theme of hope that will accompany all the Wednesday appointments until the end of the Holy Year.
And if a week ago the Pontiff had focused on how, in his work, Jesus had repeatedly spoken of the importance of protecting, welcoming and loving the little ones (see Fides, 8/1/2025), today he pointed out how in today's society "hundreds of millions of minors, despite not being of the minimum age to undergo the obligations of adulthood, are forced to work and many of them are slaves to trafficking for prostitution or pornography, and forced marriages". "And this is rather bitter", added the Pope, noting: "In our societies, unfortunately, there are many ways in which children are abused and mistreated".
For the Bishop of Rome, "it is necessary to awaken our consciences" and "to practice closeness and genuine solidarity with abused children and young people", creating, at the same time, "synergies" between organizations "to offer" these little ones who have seen their childhood taken away "opportunities and safe places in which to grow up serenely".
The Pope spoke of what happens in Latin America, where a special fruit called "arandano" is grown. It is a delicate berry and to be harvested "you need tender hands. And so they enslave children to harvest it".
Widespread poverty, the shortage of social support tools for families, the increased marginality in recent years along with unemployment and job insecurity are, in the words of the Pontiff, "factors that burden the youngest with the highest price to pay". And this is seen most in the metropolises, where the social divide and moral decay “bite”, there are children engaged in drug dealing and the most diverse illicit activities". These children become "sacrificial victims" and, sometimes, "tragically they are induced to become “executioners” of their peers, as well as damaging themselves, their dignity and humanity. And yet, when on the street, in the neighbourhood of the parish, and these lost lives present themselves before our eyes, we often look the other way".
It pains us to recognize the social injustice that drives two children, perhaps living in the same neighbourhood or apartment block, to take diametrically opposed paths and destinies because one of them was born into a disadvantaged family. An unacceptable human and social divide: between those who can dream and those who must succumb.
Pope Francis then recalled the story of little Loan, a 5-year-old boy who disappeared in June last year in the province of Corrientes, Argentina, and who is suspected of being the victim of a human trafficking network: "his whereabouts are unknown. And one of the theories is that he has been sent to have his organs removed, for transplants. And this happens, as you well know. This happens! Some return with a scar, others die. This is why today I would like to remember this boy Loan".
But Jesus, the Bishop of Rome emphasized. "wants us all free and happy. That is why He asks us to stop and listen to the suffering of the voiceless, the uneducated. Fighting exploitation, especially child exploitation, is the way to build a better future for the whole of society. And so, we can ask ourselves: what can I do?" The Pope suggested for example, to stop purchasing "products that involve child labour. How can we eat and dress, knowing that behind that food and those garments there are exploited children, who work instead of going to school? Awareness of what we purchase is a first act in order not to be complicit. Some will say that, as individuals, we cannot do much. True, but each one can be a drop that, together with many other drops, can become a sea. However, institutions, including church institutions, and companies must also be reminded of their responsibility: they can make a difference by shifting their investments to companies that do not use or permit child labour".
Finally, the Pope appealed to states and international organisations to "do more" and the exhortation to journalists "to do their part: they can help raise awareness of the problem and help find solutions". Do not be afraid, denounce, denounce these things".
In greeting the many pilgrims in Paul VI Hall, the Pontiff's thoughts went to Myanmar, where "a landslide the day before yesterday swept away houses and left victims, missing people and enormous damage. “I am close to the people affected by this disaster and I pray for those who have lost their lives and for their families. May these brothers and sisters, who are enduring such trials, not lack the support and solidarity of the international community".
Therefore, before the final blessing, the appeal for peace: "Let us pray for peace. War is always a defeat. And please let us also pray for the conversion of the hearts of the arms manufacturers, because with their products they help to kill…”, the Pope concluded. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 15/1/2025)
