Papal Pronouncements
Pope Francis urges end to 'modern forms of enslavement' at New Year's mass
Declaring that "all of us are called to be free," Pope Francis addressed the continuing scourges of slavery and human trafficking during a New Year's mass in front of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square Thursday.
The comments were made as part of the Catholic Church's World Day of Peace; this year's theme was "No Longer Slaves, but Brothers and Sisters." "War makes all of us slaves," the pope argued as he prayed for peace.
This is not Pope Francis' first time addressing the subject of modern bondage: In December, he noted that the problem is "unfortunately becoming worse and worse every day."