Vatican City, Dec 2, 2016 / 04:15 am
In his latest prayer video, which highlights his prayer intention for the month of December, Pope Francis focused on putting an end to the phenomenon of child-soldiers, which he called a "form of slavery."
The video, published Dec. 1, shows a soldier suiting up for battle in the dark, boots, gun and ammo included. When the soldier's face is shown, it's a young boy with the lower half of his face covered by a bandana.
As the child pulls the bandana down revealing his entire face, Francis' voice is heard in his native Spanish, saying: "in this world, which has developed the most sophisticated technologies, weapons are sold that end up in the hands of child-soldiers."
The scene then changes to show children running and playing in the sun, while the Pope says "we must do everything possible so that the dignity of children may be respected, and end this form of slavery."