Vatican publishes new resources on combatting human trafficking

By Christopher Wells

The Vatican has issued a new document regarding “Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking”, with the aim of “understanding, recognizing, preventing, and eradicating the plague of the trafficking of persons, protecting the victims, and promoting the recovery of survivors.”

New Pastoral Orientations

The 36-page document, which was presented at a press conference at the Holy See Press Office, is an expression of the “enormous importance” Pope Francis attaches to the “plight of the millions of men, women, and children who are trafficked and enslaved.” According to the preface of the Pastoral Orientations, the purpose of the document is “to provide a reading of Human Trafficking and an understanding that motivate and sustain the much-needed long-term struggle.”

The Pastoral Orientations are the result of extensive consultations with “Church leaders, scholars, and experienced practitioners and partner organizations working in the field.”

An "ugly, evil business"

After discussing the proper definition of human trafficking, Pastoral Orientations goes on to investigate the underlying causes of the phenomenon. It emphasises the importance of acknowledging the reality of human trafficking, and seeks to describe the dynamics of this “ugly, evil business.” Finally, the document examines responses to human trafficking, including increasing cooperation among those fighting this crime; providing support to victims of human trafficking, and promoting the recovery of survivors.

The new “Pastoral Orientations” document was prepared by the Migrants and Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Since its foundation by Pope Francis, the Migrants and Refugees section has acted under the direct guidance of the Holy Father.

Teachings of Pope Francis

At the same press conference, Vatican Officials also presented a collection of Pope Francis’ teachings on migrants, refugees and human trafficking, from the beginning of his pontificate through 2007.

The collection, entitled “Lights on the Ways of Hope” is also available in a searchable electronic version, available on the website of the Migrant and Refugees Section.

The website is expected to be updated every six months with new pontifical teachings.