The Vatican today announced Pope Benedict XVI’s prayer and mission intentions for the month of February. They include justice for, and an end to the growing scourge of human trafficking as well as encouragement to social and political participation on the part of lay faithful.

The specific text of the Holy Father’s general prayer intention is: "That the international community may be ever more aware of the urgent duty to bring an end to the trafficking in human beings."

Likewise, his mission intention is: "That in the missions the lay faithful may recognize the need to serve their own country with greater commitment, also in its political and social life."