United Nations informed that Human Trafficking is a defining priority for Pope Francis.

Figure 1 Archbishop Gallagher at the UN headquarters, New York- AP.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher , the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States, told global leaders at a UN event on 19 September that trafficking is one of the defining priorities of Pope Francis’ papacy, requiring a multi-faceted approach.
While the church has been speaking out against these abuses for decades, Archbishop Gallagher spoke of the concrete ways in which the church is taking action, specifically with reference to the establishment of the Santa Marta group and partnership with law enforcement authorities. Archbishop Gallagher paid tribute to the British government, in their appointment of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, H.E. Kevin Hyland, OBE.
Of particular note was the acknowledgement of the work and varied roles played by female Religious, in prevention and awareness-raising about human trafficking, as well as their work in support of survivors, by means of psychological and medical supports; shelter in safe houses; rehabilitation programmes and vocational upskilling.
The full text of Archbishop Gallagher’s speech is here
Adapted by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications Person.