Religious Leaders, Philanthropists 

Casina Pio IV , Vatican City —Pope Francis gathered with a number of global religious leaders on Dec. 2 to address modern slavery, an issue that affects every nation in the world. Organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the group came together to issue a joint statement which was signed by religious leaders and development practitioners, including Blue Chip Foundation’s Jennifer Stengaard Gross, reaffirming each party’s commitment to usher in a new era of freedom for those who are currently enslaved and trafficked.

In his opening statement, Pope Francis strongly condemned exploitation.

“The physical, economic, sexual and psychological exploitation of men and women, boys and girls, currently holds tens of millions in inhumane and humiliating bondage,” His Holiness said. “Every human being—man, woman, boy and girl—is the image of God; God, who is love and freedom, gives himself through interpersonal relations; therefore, every human being is a free person, destined to live for the good of others in equality and brotherhood.”

The Pope called on communities, people of all faiths, businesses, and governments to support the fight against modern slavery in all its forms.

Gross pointed out that “Victims of exploitation are from all walks of life—but that typically they’re the poorest and the most vulnerable. It’s an atrocity that modern slavery is a form of tourism and an acceptable custom, so I’m honored to sign this declaration with these leaders today.”

Each party present signed the declaration, which reads, “We pledge ourselves here today to do all in our power, within our faith communities and beyond, to work together for the freedom of all those who are enslaved and trafficked so that their future may be restored. Today we have the opportunity, awareness, wisdom, innovation and technology to achieve this human and moral imperative.”