In Lenten message, pope calls for greater concern for children

Published: 2004-01-30

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II spoke against violence directed toward children, including sexual abuse, human trafficking and the use of child soldiers. In his annual Lenten message, the pope also spoke of "the tragedy of AIDS and its devastating consequences in Africa," especially its effects on children. "Humanity cannot close its eyes in the face of so appalling a tragedy," the pope said in his message, dated Dec. 8 and released by the Vatican Jan. 29. At a press conference to release the pope's text, the Vatican also announced the launch of two initiatives to help African AIDS orphans. In his message, Pope John Paul said: "There are young people who have been profoundly hurt by the violence of adults: sexual abuse, forced prostitution, involvement in the sale and use of drugs; children forced to work or enlisted for combat; young children scarred forever by the breakup of the family; little ones caught up in the obscene trafficking of organs and persons."

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