From 4 to 8 February, various activities took place in Rome as part of the World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Human Trafficking, an international initiative created to raise awareness about one of the most painful and widespread wounds of our time.
This year’s theme, “Peace Begins with Dignity: A Global Call to End Human Trafficking,” guided the programme of events. As an official partner of the initiative, WUCWO actively participated in the activities promoted by the Talitha Kum network.
On Saturday, 7 February, a session dedicated to deepening understanding of the phenomenon of trafficking was held, featuring Professor Silvia Scarpa of John Cabot University. Her presentation provided essential legal tools and interpretative keys to better understand the complexity of the phenomenon, its structural roots, and the shared responsibilities of the international community. The workshop also offered an opportunity to reflect on how each of our actions can make a concrete difference in combating this crime.
In the afternoon, a space was dedicated to listening to the testimonies of survivors of human trafficking. “Their words gave a face and a voice to a reality that too often remains hidden, transforming statistics into concrete stories of suffering, but also of courage and renewal,” emphasized Cosimo Spezio, WUCWO representative during the activities and member of Catholic Action Italy. The day concluded with a flash mob organized by a group of young people in Piazza Pia, as a visible sign of commitment and hope in the heart of the city.
On Sunday, 8 February, the liturgical memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, a universal symbol of liberation from slavery, participants attended the Angelus prayer and listened to the message of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. The event concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist in St Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Translated with ChatGPT
