Rome (Italy). From 4 to 8 February 2026, in which is celebrated the 12th International Day of
Prayer and Awareness-Raising Events Against Human Trafficking on the theme “Peace Begins with Dignity: A Global Call to End Human Trafficking,” several awareness-raising and prayer events were organized in Rome by the anti-trafficking network Talitha Kum, together with other partners.
Joining members of various religious groups, the Talitha Kum Youth Ambassadors, and other members of the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission, promoted by the USG and the UISG, Sister Wismary Kharbihkhiew, of the Youth Ministry Sector of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, also actively participated in the events, offering her services for logistics operations.
The program opened on Wednesday, 4 February, with participation in the General Audience with Pope Leo XIV, followed by online youth initiatives involving participants from around the world. The following day, 5 February, marked the official launch of the initiative, with youth representatives and the Walk for Humanity in the Colosseum area. It concluded with a torchlight procession and an ecumenical prayer vigil at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, led by JPIC, inspired by the five natural elements—water, fire, air, metal, and earth—symbolically offered in procession. Sister Abby Avelino, coordinator of Talitha Kum and the Day, stated, “Trafficking can only be defeated if we pray and work together to eradicate its root causes.”
Gathering in Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere before the vigil, young people staged a flash mob against human trafficking, dancing to the music and holding up colorful placards with the words hope, respect, empathy, love, freedom, and solidarity written in various languages, concluding with the slogan “Stop human trafficking.”
On 6 February, participants took part in an online Prayer Pilgrimage, fostering reflection and a spirit of solidarity, followed the next day by workshops and awareness-raising activities aimed at educating and inspiring concrete actions against human trafficking.
The week concluded on Sunday, 8 February, with a campaign organized by the UISG office to St. Peter’s Square, culminating in participation in the Angelus with Pope Leo XIV. At the conclusion, he recalled the Day and thanked the participants, “Today, the memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, we celebrate the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking. I thank the religious women and all those committed to combating and eliminating current forms of slavery. With them, I say: peace begins with dignity!”
To conclude the week, participants celebrated Holy Mass together in the Choir Chapel of St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster. These initiatives highlighted a strong collective commitment to raising awareness of prevention and defending the dignity and protection of those affected by human trafficking.
The event echoed the voice of Pope Leo XIV, who in his Message renewed the urgency for the Church to address and put an end to this “grave crime against humanity.” His message challenges everyone to overcome indifference and actively engage in the protection of human life and dignity.
The Holy Father, in addition to highlighting geopolitical instability and armed conflicts, which “create fertile ground for traffickers who exploit the most vulnerable people, particularly displaced persons, migrants and refugees,” does not overlook the digital environment as a breeding ground for trafficking:
“This phenomenon is particularly worrying in the context of so-called ‘cyberslavery,’ where people are lured into fraudulent schemes and criminal activities, such as online fraud and drug trafficking. In these cases, the victim is forced to assume the role of the perpetrator, deepening their spiritual wounds.”
This and other aspects make the Day particularly connected to the FMA Institute’s vision and mission towards young people. Peace cannot exist where the lives of young people are exploited or their dignity denied. True peace begins when every young person is recognized as precious, protected, and accompanied.
This belief is at the heart of the Salesian mission, inspired by the charism of Saint John Bosco and Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello, who dedicated their lives to the care and protection of young people, especially those at risk.
Participation in this event reaffirmed the Salesian commitment to supporting young people vulnerable to trafficking and other forms of exploitation. It also strengthens the call to educate young people to become aware, responsible, and proactive in promoting a culture of dignity and peace.
“This experience was both enriching and inspiring. It reminds us that young people are not only victims of trafficking, but also powerful agents of change when guided, empowered, and accompanied. It invites us to transform prayer into action and awareness into commitment. We are called to continue promoting safe environments, life education, and the empowerment of young people so that they become advocates for justice, peace, and human dignity,” Sister Wismary said at the end of the week.
In responding to the global call to end human trafficking, the FMA Institute reaffirms its commitment to the mission of walking alongside young people, defending their dignity, and building a future where peace truly begins with respect for every person. As Pope Leo recalls in his Message:
“Faced with these grave challenges, we turn to prayer and reflection. Prayer is the ‘little flame’ we must nurture amid the storm, for it gives us the strength to resist indifference to injustice. Reflection allows us to identify the hidden mechanisms of exploitation in our neighborhoods and digital spaces. Ultimately, the violence of human trafficking can only be overcome through a renewed vision that considers each individual as a beloved child of God.”
