In his message for the XII World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking, which is celebrated on Sunday, February 8, the Holy Father Leo XIV reaffirms the commitment of the Catholic Church to combat this scourge. She also thanks those who serve with sensitivity and consideration in reaching out to victims of trafficking, including international networks and organizations.

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MESSAGE FROM THE HOLY FATHER LEON of people

Dear brothers and sisters:

On the occasion of the 12th World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, I firmly renew the urgent call of the Church to confront and put an end to this serious crime against humanity.

This year, in particular, I wish to remember the greeting of the Risen Lord: “Peace be with you” (Jn 20,19). These words are more than a greeting; They offer a path to a renewed humanity. True peace begins with recognizing and protecting the God-given dignity of each person. However, in an era marked by increasing violence, many are tempted to seek peace "through arms as a condition for asserting one's own dominion" (Address to the Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Saint Headquarters, January 9, 2026). Furthermore, in conflict situations, the loss of human life is, too often, dismissed by the promoters of war as “collateral damage”, sacrificed in the pursuit of political or economic interests.

Unfortunately, the same logic of domination and disregard for human life also fuels the scourge of human trafficking. Geopolitical instability and armed conflict create fertile ground for traffickers to exploit the most vulnerable, especially displaced people, migrants and refugees. Within this broken paradigm, women and children bear the brunt of this atrocious trade. Furthermore, the growing gap between rich and poor forces many to live in precarious conditions, leaving them exposed to the deceptive promises of recruiters.

This phenomenon is particularly disturbing in the rise of so-called “cyber slavery,” through which people are lured into fraudulent schemes and criminal activities, such as online scams and drug trafficking. In these cases, the victim is coerced into assuming the role of perpetrator, aggravating their spiritual wounds. These forms of violence are not isolated incidents, but symptoms of a culture that has forgotten how to love as Christ loves.

In the face of these serious challenges, we turn to prayer and awareness-raising. Prayer is the “little flame” that we must guard in the midst of the storm, because it gives us the strength to resist indifference in the face of injustice. Awareness-raising allows us to identify hidden mechanisms of exploitation in our neighborhoods and in digital spaces. Ultimately, the violence of human trafficking can only be overcome through a renewed vision that sees each individual as a beloved child of God.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all those who, like Christ, serve with sensitivity and consideration by reaching out to victims of trafficking, including international networks and organizations. I also want to recognize the survivors who have become advocates, supporting other victims. May the Lord bless you for your courage, fidelity and tireless commitment.

With these sentiments, I commend those who commemorate this day to the intercession of Saint Josephine Bakhita, whose life stands as a powerful testimony of hope in the Lord who loved her to the end (cf. Jn 13,1). Let us all unite on the path towards a world where peace is not simply the absence of war, but “disarmed and disarming”, rooted in full respect for the dignity of all.

Vatican, January 29, 2026

LEÓN PP. XIV