Pope Appeals for Children's Welfare

Vatican, January 15, 2025: During his weekly General Audience on Wednesday morning at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis emphasized the urgent need to defend and promote the welfare of children. Continuing his catechesis on children, Pope Francis reflected on Jesus’ teachings about protecting and loving the little ones.

He expressed deep concern over the plight of millions of children worldwide who are subjected to unacceptable conditions, including hazardous labour, human trafficking, and forced marriages. “Even one case is already too many,” he declared, condemning child abuse as not only a societal crime but a violation of God’s commandments.

The Pope called for a collective awakening of consciences, urging people to build trust and solidarity with abused children and young people. Highlighting the role of poverty, unemployment, and lack of social support as contributors to children’s suffering, he urged societies to tackle these root causes while fostering environments of safety and growth.

Pope Francis also appealed to journalists to raise awareness and encouraged individuals to take practical steps, such as avoiding products from companies that exploit child labour. He cited Saint Teresa of Calcutta as an example of tender care for the most disadvantaged, urging people to follow her model of compassion and action.

The Holy Father concluded his address with a powerful question: “Will we do our part?” His call to action resonated as a moral imperative for Catholics and all people of goodwill to champion the welfare of children and work toward a world free from exploitation and injustice.

Courtesy: Vatican News