Vatican official criticizes promotion of prostitution for World Cup

Published: 2006-06-08

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A Vatican official has joined a chorus of criticism against the promotion of prostitution during the World Cup in Germany. Prostitution is legal in Germany, and experts say an estimated 40,000 additional women will be engaged in prostitution during the soccer tournament. "Many of them are forced into this activity. They are doing it against their will, they are trafficked. This is a fundamental human rights violation," Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, told Vatican Radio June 8. "Women have become market commodities, which can be bought. And they cost less than a ticket for a football match," the archbishop said. The World Cup is being held in 12 German cities June 9-July 9. The event is expected to attract 3 million sports fans.

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