VATICAN (SE): Pope Francis turned his thoughts to the victims of child labour during his general audience on June 10, Vatican News reported.
The pope spoke of the victims who have been “deprived of their childhood” and noted that June 12 was World Day Against Child Labour, a phenomenon which the said endangers the integral development of so many boys and girls.
Pope Francis noted that “in the current health (Covid-19) emergency situation, in several countries many children and young people are forced into jobs that are inappropriate for their age, in order to help their families in conditions of extreme poverty.”
He added that often, “these are forms of slavery and imprisonment, resulting in physical and psychological suffering.”
“All of us are responsible for this,” Vatican News quoted him as saying.
“I appeal to the institutions to make every effort to protect minors,” the pope said, asking that they ensure that the economic and social gaps, which underlie the distorted dynamic in which they are unfortunately involved, are filled.
Finally, Pope Francis said “children are the future of the human family: it is up to all of us to foster their growth, health and serenity.”
