Pope Francis delivered a powerful message during his first catechism lesson of 2025, condemning the scourge of child labor and other abuses suffered by children. He emphasized that those who harm or exploit children will be held accountable by God.
Addressing the faithful during his weekly general audience in Rome, the Pope highlighted the importance of protecting children, stating that they hold a special place in God's heart. He urged people not to turn a blind eye to the issue of child labor, emphasizing the need to take action to prevent and condemn any abuse that minors may face.
Francis has been a vocal advocate against child labor, particularly during his visits to various countries. In 2023, during his trip to Congo, he criticized the use of children by foreign powers and mining interests to extract natural resources, describing it as a form of exploitation driven by greed.
While the Pope did not explicitly mention the sexual abuse of children by priests, a longstanding scandal within the Catholic Church, he underscored the broader need to protect children from all forms of harm and suffering.
Despite sounding congested and skipping parts of his prepared speech, Pope Francis appeared engaged during the audience. He was entertained by a performance from CircAfrica, an African-themed circus troupe that showcased acrobats, robot-operated puppet elephants, jugglers, and dancers on rollerskates in the Vatican auditorium.
As the pontiff continues to advocate for the rights and well-being of children, his message serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society.
