Catechism of Pope Francis on the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking

Pope Francis reflected on the danger and consequences of drug use and trafficking within the framework of the International Day to Combat Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is celebrated this June 26.

Below is the complete catechesis of Pope Francis:

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

Today is celebrated International Day to Combat Drug Abuse and Illicit Traffickingestablished by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987. This year’s theme is “The evidence is clear: we must invest in prevention”.

Saint John Paul II stated that “drug abuse impoverishes all the communities in which it occurs. It decreases human strength and moral fiber. Mine the estimated values. “It destroys the will to live and contribute to a better society.” This is what drug use, drug abuse does.

But let us remember, at the same time, that each toxic-dependent “brings with him a different personal story, which must be listened to, understood, loved and, as far as possible, healed and purified (…) They continue to have, and more than ever, a dignity as people who are children of God.”

However, we cannot ignore the bad intentions and actions of drug sellers and drug traffickers, they are the murderers.

Pope Benedict XVI used stern words during a visit to a therapeutic community, this is what Pope Benedict said: “I tell those who deal in drugs to think about the evil they are causing to a multitude of young people and adults of all classes. social: God will ask them to account for what they have done. Human dignity cannot be trampled on in this way.” Drugs trample on human dignity.

A reduction in drug dependence is not achieved by liberalizing drug consumption, this is a fantasy, as has been proposed, or has already been applied, in some countries. If it is released, more is consumed.

After having learned so many tragic stories of drug addicts and their families, I am convinced that it is morally correct to end the production and trafficking of these dangerous substances. How many traffickers of death are there, because drug traffickers are traffickers of death, driven by the logic of power and money at any price! This plague, which produces violence and sows suffering and death, requires an act of courage on the part of the entire society.

Drug production and trafficking also have a destructive impact on our common home. For example, this has become increasingly evident in the Amazon basin. Another priority way to counteract drug abuse and trafficking is prevention, which is done by promoting greater justice, educating young people in the values ​​that build personal and community life, accompanying those in need and giving hope for the future.

In my apostolic trips in the various dioceses and countries I was able to visit several recovery communities inspired by the Gospel. They are a strong and hopeful testimony of the commitment of priests, consecrated persons and lay people to put the parable of the Good Samaritan into practice. Likewise, I am comforted by the efforts undertaken by several Episcopal Conferences to promote fair legislation and policies regarding the treatment of drug addicts and prevention to stop this scourge.

As an example, I highlight the network of The Latin American Pastoral Care and Prevention of Addictions (PLAPA). The statute of this network recognizes that “addiction to alcohol, psychoactive substances and other forms of addiction (pornography, new technologies, etc.)… It is a problem that affects us indiscriminately, regardless of the diversity of geographies and social, cultural, religious or age contexts. Despite the differences, we want to organize ourselves as a network: share experiences, enthusiasm and difficulties.”

I also mention the bishops of Southern Africa, who in November 2023 convened a meeting on the topic “Train young people as agents of peace and hope”. The youth representatives present at the meeting recognized that meeting as “a significant milestone towards healthy and active youth throughout the region.”

They also promised: “We accept the role of ambassadors and advocates in the fight against drug use. We ask all young people to always be empathetic towards each other.”

Dear brothers and sisters, in the face of the tragic situation of toxic dependence of millions of people around the world, in the face of the scandal of the illicit production and trafficking of these drugs, “we cannot be indifferent. The Lord Jesus has stopped, he has approached, he has healed the wounds.

In the style of his proximity, we too are called to act, to stop in situations of fragility and pain, to know how to listen to the cry of loneliness and anguish, to bend down to lift up and bring back to life those who “They fall into drug slavery.” And also, let us pray for these criminals, who give drugs to young people. They are criminals, they are murderers. Let us pray for his conversion.

On this World Anti-Drug Day, as Christians and ecclesial communities, let us pray for this intention and renew our commitment. Thank you!