In his first general audience of the year on January 8, 2025, Pope Francis urgently addressed the issue of child exploitation, particularly highlighting the “scourge of child labor.” He condemned the exploitation of children who are deprived of their childhoods, dreams, and the opportunity to develop their talents. The Pope’s words were a call to Christians worldwide to remain vigilant and responsive to the suffering of children, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect the vulnerable.
Pope Francis made it clear that child exploitation is a global issue, stating, “In every part of the globe, there are children who are exploited by an economy that does not respect life, an economy that, in so doing, consumes our greatest store of hope and love.” He lamented the impact that such exploitation has on children, who are often forced into work instead of being allowed to thrive in environments where they can smile, dream, and grow.
The Holy Father did not shy away from pointing out the moral responsibility of society, and particularly Christians, to address this grave injustice. He emphasized that those who identify as children of God must not stand by in indifference. He said, “We cannot accept that our little sisters and brothers, instead of being loved and protected, are robbed of their childhood, of their dreams, victims of exploitation and marginalization.” Christians, he reminded the faithful, are called to stand against such exploitation and work toward the protection and well-being of children.
Pope Francis also addressed the paradox of technological advancements in the modern world, noting how these innovations have often failed to protect children. He remarked that society’s focus on Mars and virtual worlds contrasts starkly with its inability to look in the eye of a suffering child. “Today we want to turn our gaze toward Mars or toward virtual worlds, but we struggle to look in the eye a child who has been left at the margins and who is exploited or abused,” he observed.
The Pope further criticized the current century for its neglect of the most vulnerable. Despite the rapid development of artificial intelligence and ambitions for multiplanetary existence, “the century that generates artificial intelligence and plans multiplanetary existences has not yet reckoned with the scourge of humiliated, exploited, mortally wounded childhood,” he said.
In his closing prayer, Pope Francis asked the Lord to “open our minds and hearts to care and tenderness, and for every boy and every girl in the world to be able to grow in age, wisdom, and grace, receiving and giving love.” This prayer reinforced his call for compassion and care toward children, stressing the importance of fostering environments where children can thrive.
Before concluding his address, Pope Francis also took a moment to greet members of CirCAfrica, a circus company from Africa, praising their “mission of doing good and making us laugh.” The circus performers, who are currently on tour in Rome, performed an excerpt of their show for the Pope and the pilgrims in attendance. Pope Francis was seen enjoying the performance, tapping his feet to the rhythm, and thanking the dancers, acrobats, and jugglers for spreading joy and laughter, likening the experience to the innocent joy of children.
Pope Francis’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the Church’s commitment to defending the dignity of children and advocating for their rights. His call for action is clear: Christians must not remain indifferent to the exploitation and abuse that millions of children endure across the world.
