Pope Francis' words after the recitation of the Angelus prayer to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square:
Dear brothers and sisters, today, the liturgical feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, the African nun who as a young girl had the tragic experience of being a victim of trafficking, the International Union of Superior Generals and the Superior Generals of the religious institutes have promoted the Day of prayer and reflection against human trafficking. I encourage those who are committed in helping men, women and children who are enslaved, exploited and abused as instruments of work or pleasure and often tortured and mutilated. I hope that those who have governmental responsibilities may strive firmly to remove the causes of this shameful scourge. It's true, it is a shameful scourge! A scourge unworthy of a civilized society. Each one of us should commit to be a voice for these our brothers and sister, humiliated in their dignity. Let us pray for them and for their families. Hail Mary…