Vatican City, Apr 11, 2019 / 05:40 am
Pope Francis said Thursday that human trafficking is, "without doubt," a crime against humanity for its violation of human dignity and freedom.
Trafficking, he said April 11, "constitutes an unjustifiable violation of the freedom and dignity of the victims, constitutive dimensions of the human being wanted and created by God. This is why it is considered a crime against humanity."
"Trafficking seriously damages humanity as a whole, tearing apart the human family and the Body of Christ," the pope stated.
Francis said trafficking in people is the worst manifestation of the commodification of others. It not only hurts victims, but it destroys the humanity of those doing the trafficking or taking advantage of victims, because it denies them access to the abundant life of Jesus.