Pope Francis once again dedicated his catechesis at Wednesday’s General Audience to denouncing child abuse, “a despicable and atrocious act.”
Below is the Holy Father’s catechesis:
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
Today, too, we are going to talk about children. Last week we reflected on how, in his work, Jesus repeatedly spoke of the importance of protecting, welcoming and loving the little ones. Yet, even today in the world, hundreds of millions of minors are forced to work and many of them are exposed to particularly dangerous jobs, even though they are not yet of the minimum age to be subject to the obligations of adulthood. Not to mention the boys and girls who are slaves of trafficking for prostitution or pornography, and forced marriages. This is a bit bitter.
In our societies, unfortunately, children suffer abuse and mistreatment in many forms. Child abuse, whatever its nature, is a despicable and atrocious act. It is not simply a scourge of society and a crime; it is a very serious violation of God’s commandments. No child should suffer abuse. One case is already too many. It is therefore necessary to raise awareness, to practice closeness and concrete solidarity with abused children and young people and, at the same time, to create trust and synergies between those who are committed to offering them opportunities and safe places in which to grow up peacefully. I know a country in Latin America where a special, very special fruit is produced, called blueberries. But to pick blueberries, tender hands are required, and they make children do it. They enslave children to pick them.
Widespread poverty, a lack of social tools to support families, marginalization that has increased in recent years, along with unemployment and job insecurity are factors that burden the youngest children with the highest price to pay. In the metropolises, where social fracture and moral decay bite, there are children who are involved in drug trafficking and the most diverse illegal activities.
How many of these children have we seen fall as sacrificial victims! Sometimes, tragically, they are induced to become “executioners” of other children, in addition to damaging themselves, their dignity and their humanity. And yet, when in the street, in the parish district, these lost lives are offered to us, we often look the other way. There is a case, also in my country, of a child called Loan who was kidnapped and no one knows where. One of the hypotheses is that he was sent to have his organs removed, to do transplants. And this is done. They know it well, this is done. Some return with scars, others die. That is why I want to remember this child today, Loan.
We find it difficult to recognize the social injustice that leads two children, who perhaps live in the same neighborhood or block of flats, to take diametrically opposed paths and destinies, because one of them was born into a disadvantaged family. An unacceptable human and social fracture: between those who can dream and those who must succumb. But Jesus wants us all free and happy; and if he loves every man and every woman as his son and daughter, he loves the little ones with all the tenderness of his heart. That is why he asks us to stop and listen to the suffering of those who have no voice, those who have no education. Fighting against exploitation, especially that of children, is the way to build a better future for the whole of society. Some countries have had the wisdom to write down the rights of children. Children have rights. Look up what the rights of children are on WhatsApp.
So we ask ourselves: what can I do? First of all, we should recognize that if we want to eradicate child labor, we cannot be its accomplices. And when are we? For example, when we buy products that use child labor. How can I eat and dress myself knowing that behind that food or those clothes there are exploited children, who work instead of going to school? Becoming aware of what we buy is a first step to not being complicit. Look at where those products come from.
Some will say that as individuals we cannot do much. That is true, but each one of us can be a drop which, when added to many other drops, can become a sea. However, institutions, including ecclesiastical ones, and businesses must also be reminded of their responsibility: they can make a difference by directing their investments to companies that do not use or permit child labour. Many states and international organisations have already enacted laws and directives against child labour, but more can be done. I also urge journalists, there are some here, to do their part: they can contribute to raising awareness of the problem and help find solutions. Do not be afraid, denounce these things.
And I thank all those who do not look away when they see children forced to become adults too soon. Let us always remember the words of Jesus: “Whatever you did for the least of these my brothers, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a joyful worker in the Lord’s vineyard, was the mother of the most disadvantaged and forgotten children. With the tenderness and care of her gaze, she can accompany us to see the invisible little ones, the too many slaves of a world that we cannot abandon to its injustices. Because the happiness of the weakest builds peace for all. And with Mother Teresa we give voice to children:
“I ask for a safe place
where I can play.
I ask for a smile
of one who knows how to love.
I ask for the right to be a child,
to be hope
of a better world.
I ask to be able to grow
as a person.
“Can I count on you?” (Saint Teresa of Calcutta)