Catechism of Pope Francis on child abuse

Pope Francis once again dedicated his catechesis at the General Audience this Wednesday to denouncing child abuse, “a despicable and atrocious act.”

Below is the catechesis of the Holy Father:

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

Also today we are going to talk about children. Last week we focused on how, in his work, Jesus repeatedly spoke about the importance of protecting, welcoming and loving the little ones. However, even today in the world, hundreds of millions of minors are forced to work and many of them are exposed to especially dangerous jobs, despite not being of the minimum age to submit to the obligations of adulthood. Not to mention the boys and girls who are slaves to trafficking for prostitution or pornography, and forced marriages. This is a bit bitter.

In our societies, unfortunately, children suffer abuse and mistreatment in numerous ways. Child abuse, whatever its nature, is a despicable and heinous 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 be abused. One case is too many. It is necessary, therefore, to raise awareness, practice closeness and concrete solidarity with abused children and young people and, at the same time, create trust and synergies among those who are committed to offering them opportunities and safe places in which to grow serenely. I know a country in Latin America, where they make a special, very special fruit called blueberry. But, to pick the blueberry, tender hands are required, and they make children do it. They enslave children for a harvest.

Diffuse poverty, the scarcity of social tools to support families, the marginality 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 decadence “bite”, there are children who are dedicated to drug trafficking and the most diverse illicit activities.

How many of these children have we seen fall as sacrificial victims! Sometimes, tragically, they are induced to become “executioners” of other colleagues, in addition to harming themselves, their dignity and their humanity. And yet, when on the street, in the parish neighborhood, these lost lives are offered to our gaze, we often look the other way. There is a case, also in my country, a child named Loan has been kidnapped and no one knows where. One of the hypotheses is that he has been sent to remove his organs, to perform transplants. And this is done. They know it well, this is done. Some return with the scar, others die. That’s why I want to remember this boy today, Loan.

It is difficult for us to recognize the social injustice that leads two children, who perhaps live in the same neighborhood or apartment block, to take diametrically opposite paths and destinations, 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 each man and 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, of those who have no education. Fighting exploitation, especially child exploitation, is the way to build a better future for all of society. Some countries have had the wisdom to write down children’s rights. Children have rights. Search on WhatsApp what the rights of children are.

So we asked ourselves: what can I do? First, 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 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 act to avoid being complicit. Look where those products come from.

Some will say that as individuals we can’t do much. It is true, but each one can be a drop that, united with many other drops, can become a sea. However, institutions, including church institutions, and companies must also be reminded of their responsibility: they can make a difference by directing their investments to companies that do not use or allow child labor. Many states and international organizations have already enacted laws and directives against child labor, 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. Don’t be afraid, report these things.

And I thank all those who don’t look the other way when they see children forced to become adults too soon. Let us always remember the words of Jesus: “Whatever they did for the least of my brothers, they did for me” (Mt 25:40). Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a joyful worker in the vineyard of the Lord, was the mother of the most disadvantaged and forgotten. 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. everyone. And with Mother Teresa we give a voice to the children:

“I ask for a safe place

where I can play.

I ask for a smile

of 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)