In the latest Pope Video, Francis seeks to raise awareness about this slavery targeting children
The Pope Video has released its 12th edition, completing its first full year of monthly videos on the challenges facing humanity. This month the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network presents “End to Child-Soldiers,” a cause Pope Francis has taken up with this prayer intention: “That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over.”
“In this world, which has developed the most sophisticated technologies, weapons are sold that end up in the hands of child-soldiers.” Pope Francis again forcefully transmits his message, this time urging the world to reflect on a reality that is placing thousands of children at risk.
The publication of this intention, like those of every month, has been entrusted to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, so that people may become aware of the urgent need to pray and act. The mission of The Pope Video is to share these intentions with the greatest number of people possible, and thus drive real change.
The UN defines a child soldier as any person below 18 years of age who is, or who has been, recruited or used by an armed force or armed group in any capacity, including as fighters, cooks, porters, spies or for sexual purposes. According to a report from UNICEF, it is estimated there are some 300,000 boys and girls under the age of 18 who are participating in more than 30 conflicts around the world.
The Pope Video was conceived and produced by La Machi Communication for Good Causes. It is supported by the Society of Jesus, IndigoMusic, GettyImagesLatam, R/GA, with the collaboration of Vatican Television Center.
