World Day Against Child Labour 2021

Pope Francis marks the World Day Against Child Labour by praying for children forced into labour

Pope Francis prays for children forced into labour and urges to protect them.

12 June 2021

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It is not possible to close our eyes to the exploitation of children, deprived of the right to play, to study and to dream."
Pope Francis

Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square for the Sunday Angelus Pope Francis went on to note that Saturday 12 June marked World Day against Child Labour. "It is not possible to close our eyes to the exploitation of children, deprived of the right to play, to study and to dream", said the Pope.
He said that according to estimates by the International Labour Organization, there are over 160 million children exploited for work today - a tragedy! "160 million: more or less the same as all the inhabitants of Spain, together with France and together with Italy", he added. "Let's renew all together the effort to eliminate this slavery of our times", concluded the Pope.

To mark the World Day Against Child Labour 2021, Pope Francis also posted the tweet "Children are the future of the human family: all of us are expected to promote their growth, health and tranquility. #NoChildLabourDay."

Children are the future of the human family: all of us are expected to promote their growth, health and tranquility. #NoChildLabourDay
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) June 12, 2021