The world is yearning for a Just and inclusive society-Pope Francis

By; Jjunju Francis

21^st November 2019

On his second day trip to Thailand Pope Francis has denounced exploitation of women and children, urging a welcoming stance to migrants and promising that the Catholic Church is ready to help build a just and inclusive society.

Pope Francis who started his trip on Nov. 20-23 says “those women and children who are wounded, violated and exposed to every form of exploitation, enslavement, violence and abuse need support and protection.”

The pope was speaking during a meeting with local authorities, representatives of civil society and the diplomatic corps in the “Inner Santi Maitri” Hall within Bangkok’s Government House.

Forced prostitution, including children, is one of the consequences of Thailand’s sex tourism industry, with thousands of foreigners arriving yearly to pay for sex.

The pontiff expressed “appreciation” for efforts by the Thai government, NGOs and individuals to end human trafficking and other forms of modern-day slavery, to “uproot this evil and to provide ways to restore” the dignity of the children and women forced to prostitute themselves.

In relation to the thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child and Adolescent, Pope Francis said everyone is called to protect children, their social and intellectual development, access to education and psychological and spiritual growth.

From Thailand Pope Francis will proceed to Japan on November 23^rd   where he will also spend three days before returning to Vatican. His delegation comprises of  journalists whom he has appreciated for their role in informing and exposing the plight of the marginalized groups in the world.