Human trafficking

The Latest

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House Republicans and Democrats come together to combat human trafficking

Jul 28, 2022

By Maisy Sullivan

The legislation would protect victims, prosecute perpetrators and prevent trafficking from occurring in the first place, says co-sponsor Rep. Chris... Read more

Antonio Fernandez, CEO of Catholic Charities San Antonio, aids a migrant following the death of dozens of people abandoned in a truck.

Catholic Charities San Antonio aiding survivors and their families after Texas migrant deaths

Jun 30, 2022

By Jonah McKeown

Following the discovery of the bodies of more than 50 migrants who died in an abandoned tractor-trailer in San Antonio,... Read more

In this aerial view, members of law enforcement investigate a tractor trailer on June 27, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. According to reports, at least 46 people, who are believed migrant workers from Mexico, were found dead in an abandoned tractor trailer. Over a dozen victims were found alive, suffering from heat stroke and taken to local hospitals.

San Antonio archbishop to preside at memorial Mass after Texas migrant deaths

Jun 29, 2022

By Jonah McKeown

Following the discovery of dozens of migrants who died in an abandoned tractor-trailer in Texas — thought to be the... Read more

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Rep. Chris Smith calls ‘modern slavery’ of human trafficking a pro-life issue

Jun 12, 2022

By Maisy Sullivan

A bi-partisan bill would provide $1 billion over five years for anti-trafficking education and prosecution efforts. Read more

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Pope Francis: Human trafficking has created ‘an open wound on the body of Christ’

Feb 8, 2022

By Courtney Mares

His remark came on the International Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking. Read more

Timothy P. Schmalz with his sculpture ‘Let the Oppressed Go Free.’

St. Josephine Bakhita sculpture shines light on reality of human trafficking

Feb 8, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

The ex-slave’s feast day is celebrated on Feb. 8. Read more

Pope Francis delivers his weekly Angelus message on Feb. 6, 2022

Pope Francis: Jesus wants to enter our emptiness

Feb 6, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

When all your efforts feel futile and empty, Jesus wants to be close to you, Pope Francis said on Sunday. Read more

A bronze sculpture of Saint Josephine Bakhita, patron of trafficking victims, will be installed in the Vatican.

Saint Josephine Bakhita sculpture to be displayed in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday

Feb 3, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

The sculpture will be in St. Peter's Square ahead of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking... Read more

Man bound hand and foot, vicitim of human trafficking.

Rep. Chris Smith highlights bipartisan bill on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Jan 11, 2022

By CNA Staff

In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Jan. 11, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey is calling... Read more

Sister Monica Chikwe, vice president, Slaves No More

Meet the Catholic nuns leading the fight against human trafficking

Oct 15, 2021

By Courtney Mares

When a 26-year-old Nigerian girl was first forced out on the streets of Italy by her traffickers, she was told:... Read more

Aug. 17, 2017 - A volunteer at the Catholic Charities Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas helps a Central American refugee family

US parishes must better serve hidden migrant communities, bishops hear

Jun 18, 2021

By Matt Hadro

Many parishes in the United States are unaware of the immigrant, refugee, and itinerant communities within their boundaries, the chair... Read more

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Vatican diplomat: We must ensure that the internet promotes human dignity

Jun 17, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Msgr. Janusz Urbańczyk said the internet must ‘not become a medium that fuels the violation of human rights.’ Read more

Stained glass of St. Patrick by C.E. Kempe in the church of St John the Baptist.

Patrick: The saint who knew what it was like to be a slave

Mar 17, 2021

By Kevin J. Jones

Many know that Saint Patrick, bishop and missionary to Ireland, was once a slave – but few know of his... Read more

Credit: structuresxx/Shutterstock

Human trafficking wounds the body of Christ, Catholic leaders tell conference

Mar 9, 2021

Every person has a role to play to fight human trafficking, Catholic advocates said at an online conference on Tuesday.  Read more

Pope Francis' video message to prayer marathon against human trafficking Feb. 8, 2021.  YoutTube screenshot.

Pope Francis asks people to pray for every victim of human trafficking

Feb 8, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has asked people to pray Monday for every person who is currently a victim of human trafficking.  Read more

Credit: 271 EAK MOTO via Shutterstock.

Pope Francis decries men who sustain ‘reprehensible’ trade in preface to trafficking victim’s biography

Jan 22, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has written the preface to a biography of a human trafficking victim in which he decries the men who... Read more

Woman sitting alone crying.

Catholic leaders speak out on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Jan 11, 2021

Catholic leaders spoke out against human trafficking on Monday, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.  Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.). Courtesy photo.

Congressman urges vigilance on anniversary of anti-trafficking law

Oct 30, 2020

By Matt Hadro

Two decades after the enactment of a landmark anti-trafficking law, the threat has evolved during the current pandemic—and so too,... Read more

Street with market stalls with Chinese flags on every booth, Xinjiang, China.

House passes bill to fight import of goods from Uyghur labor camps

Sep 23, 2020

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill to ensure goods sold in the U.S. are not made with... Read more

Stock photo. Via Shutterstock.

Bishops call for prayers for victims on World Day Against Human Trafficking 

Jul 30, 2020

The U.S. bishops have urged Catholics to pray for the victims of human trafficking Thursday, as the United Nations again... Read more