“Human trafficking is not only a serious crime—it is a rejection of the God-given dignity of every human being. It is, as Pope Francis has said, an open wound on the Body of Christ and on the body of all humanity, demanding an ongoing, united response,” said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration.
The International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking is observed by Catholics across the globe on February 8. It coincides with the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of those impacted by the sin of human trafficking. Bishop Seitz encouraged Catholics and all people of goodwill to unite in prayer and action to combat human trafficking, which has been referred to as “modern-day slavery,” while also urging policymakers to address trafficking in constructive ways:
“The Catholic Church in the United States has long been at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking, and the U.S. bishops stand firmly alongside our Holy Father in his consistent efforts to shed light on this global injustice. As Pope Francis reminds us, we must mobilize our resources in combating trafficking and accompanying those who have been exploited in this way.” Click here to read the entire statement.